Acth30mpregcplasscnc
This test measures the level of ACTH hormone in your blood 30 minutes before receiving a glucagon injection, helping doctors evaluate how your pituitary and adrenal glands are functioning.
{"ACTH is a hormone from the pituitary gland that controls cortisol production","This test is part of a glucagon stimulation test to check adrenal and pituitary function","A blood sample is taken before the glucagon is administered","The test helps diagnose hormone disorders like Addison's disease or Cushing's syndrome","Results help doctors understand if your body responds properly to stress"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58590-1
- Short code
- ACTH
- Synonyms
- ACTH 30M pre Gc Plas-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- EDTA plasma tube (lavender top, K2 EDTA or K3 EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2.2
- Ref high
- 13.3
- Critical range
- 1.1 N/A – 44 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–100 years
- Method
- Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) or Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)
- CPT
- 82024
- SNOMED
- 413579009
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL plasma minimum, 2.5-3.5 mL whole blood recommended
- Stability
- Room temperature: 30 minutes; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Frozen (-20°C or below): 2-3 months. Centrifuge within 30-60 minutes of collection. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 60
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures the amount of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone, also called corticotropin) in your blood. ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland, a small pea-sized gland at the base of your brain. The test is performed 30 minutes before you receive a glucagon injection as part of a stimulation test.
Why is it performed?
This test is part of a glucagon stimulation test, which evaluates how well your pituitary and adrenal glands work. The test helps doctors diagnose conditions such as Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), Cushing's syndrome (excessive cortisol), and pituitary gland disorders. Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, low blood pressure, or hormonal imbalances.
How to prepare for the test
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully. You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for a certain period before the test. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as some medicines can affect ACTH levels. These may include steroids, birth control pills, and certain psychiatric medications. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for blood draw.
What happens during the test?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. This sample is taken 30 minutes before you receive the glucagon injection. The blood draw only takes a few minutes and may cause slight discomfort or bruising at the injection site. After the blood sample is collected, you will receive the glucagon injection as part of the stimulation test, and additional blood samples may be taken at other time points.
Are there any risks?
The risks of this test are minimal. You may experience slight pain, bruising, or bleeding at the blood draw site. In rare cases, fainting or infection may occur. The glucagon injection may cause temporary side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or flushing. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Reference range
Reference range: 2.2-13.3 pmol/L (10-60 pg/mL). ACTH levels show diurnal variation with highest levels in morning hours (6-10 AM). For glucagon stimulation test, baseline ACTH is typically 2.2-13.3 pmol/L; response varies by protocol.N/A
Patient should be fasting for 8-12 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to collection. Inform laboratory of current medications especially steroids, estrogens, and medications affecting ACTH levels. Sample must be collected 30 minutes prior to glucagon administration for stimulation test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can I take my regular medications?
What do abnormal results mean?
Is the glucagon stimulation test safe?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy