Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Measurement
This test measures the amount of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in your blood. ACTH is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland that signals your adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a key stress hormone.
["ACTH helps regulate your body’s response to stress and maintains balance of hormones."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58626-3
- Short code
- ACTH pre Ins IV Plas-sCnc
- Synonyms
- ACTH pre Ins IV Plas-sCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 60
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may order an ACTH test to diagnose or monitor conditions like Cushing’s disease (overproduction of cortisol), adrenal insufficiency (underproduction of cortisol), or to check for pituitary tumors. It can also help evaluate symptoms such as unusual weight gain, fatigue, or high blood pressure that may be linked to hormone imbalances.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but your doctor might advise you to avoid certain medications or activities for a few days before testing. For example, they may suggest stopping steroids (like prednisone) if you’re taking them for a condition like asthma or arthritis, as these can affect ACTH levels.
What Happens During the Test
A blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch when the needle is inserted, but the procedure is quick and usually painless. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your doctor based on your symptoms, medical history, and other tests. High ACTH levels may suggest conditions like Cushing’s disease or pituitary tumors, while low levels might indicate adrenal insufficiency or other hormonal disorders. Your doctor will discuss the results with you in detail.
Reference range
NCBI: ACTH 10-60 pg/mLN/A
Typically collected in the morning (8-10 AM). Inform your provider if taking steroid medications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
ACTH Level
Frequently asked questions
ACTH plays a critical role in managing stress responses and hormone balance. Abnormal levels can indicate underlying health issues that require medical attention, such as tumors, infections, or metabolic disorders. Regular monitoring of ACTH can help doctors track the effectiveness of treatments for conditions like adrenal insufficiency or Cushing’s syndrome.
ACTH test results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your doctor’s office will contact you once the results are ready.
You can usually eat and drink normally before your ACTH test unless your doctor advises otherwise. Some tests may require fasting, but ACTH tests do not typically have fasting requirements.
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy