Understanding Your Medical Test: A Patient's Guide to What the Test Is, How It Is Done, and How to Get Ready

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A blood test that measures androstenedione hormone levels one hour after a challenge injection to evaluate how your adrenal glands respond to stimulation.

Quick summary

{"Measures androstenedione levels in blood after a stimulation challenge","Helps diagnose adrenal gland disorders and conditions affecting hormone production","Involves a baseline blood draw, followed by an injection, then another blood draw one hour later","Commonly used to evaluate adrenal insufficiency and androgen excess conditions","Follow your doctor's instructions about medications and fasting before the test"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC: 32588-6
Short code: ANDRO1HR
Synonyms: Androst 1h p chal SerPl-sCnc
Category: chemistry
Sample: serum
Container: Red-top tube (serum, no anticoagulant) or SST (serum separator tube)
Units: N/A
Fasting: false
Population: adult
Sex: all
Age range: 18–65 years
Method: Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or Immunoassay
CPT: 82157
SNOMED: 167708005
Specimen volume: 1-2 mL of serum
Stability: Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below
Hemolysis max: 500
Lipemia max: 1000
Icterus max: 500
TAT: 24–96 hours
Order: routine

The Androstenedione Challenge Test measures the level of androstenedione in your blood one hour after receiving a stimulating injection. Androstenedione is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, ovaries (in women), and testes (in men). It serves as a precursor to other important hormones like testosterone and estrogen. This test evaluates how well your adrenal glands respond to stimulation, helping doctors assess your endocrine system function.

How is the test performed, and what happens step by step during the procedure?

The test typically involves three steps: First, a healthcare provider will draw a baseline blood sample to measure your initial androstenedione level. Second, they will administer a stimulating agent (commonly ACTH or cosyntropin) through an injection. Third, exactly one hour after the injection, another blood sample will be drawn. The difference between the two measurements helps your doctor understand how your adrenal glands respond to stress or stimulation.

How should I prepare for the test, including any food, drink, or medication restrictions?

Your doctor will provide specific instructions, which may include: fasting (not eating or drinking) for a certain period before the test, temporarily stopping certain medications that might affect hormone levels (such as corticosteroids or hormonal contraceptives), and informing your doctor about any existing medical conditions. It is important to follow all instructions carefully to ensure accurate results. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood draw.

What should I expect during and after the test, and when will I receive my results?

During the test, you may feel a brief pinch when the needle inserts for the blood draw. The injection itself may cause mild discomfort or a brief burning sensation. After the one-hour wait, you may resume normal activities. Some people experience mild side effects from the stimulation injection, such as flushing, headache, or dizziness, which typically resolve quickly. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual or severe symptoms.

Reference range

Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, sex, and the specific challenge/ stimulation protocol used. Pre- and post-challenge values should be interpreted together.N/A

Specimen: serum

Patient preparation depends on the specific challenge or stimulation test being performed (e.g., ACTH stimulation, GnRH stimulation). Follow the specific protocol prescribed by the ordering physician.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

The Androstenedione Challenge Test is primarily used to evaluate adrenal gland function and diagnose conditions affecting hormone production. It helps identify adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. The test is also valuable in diagnosing congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic disorder affecting hormone production. Additionally, it can help detect androgen-producing tumors and evaluate unexplained symptoms of hormone imbalance such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods, or early puberty. The results help doctors distinguish between adrenal, ovarian, or testicular causes of hormone disorders.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need a challenge test instead of a regular blood test?

A challenge test provides more information than a simple hormone measurement. By stimulating your adrenal glands and measuring the response, doctors can assess how well your endocrine system actually functions under stress. This helps identify problems that might not be apparent in a resting state. The challenge test is more sensitive for detecting certain disorders, especially early or mild forms of adrenal dysfunction.

How long does the entire test take?

The test typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours total, including registration, the first blood draw, the injection, the one-hour wait period, and the second blood draw. You may want to bring something to read or occupy your time during the waiting period. Some clinics may have slight variations in timing, so ask your healthcare provider for specific details.

Are there any risks or side effects?

The risks are minimal and similar to routine blood tests, including slight bruising, bleeding, or dizziness at the injection site. The stimulation injection (ACTH) is generally safe but may cause temporary side effects like flushing, headache, nausea, or palpitations. Serious allergic reactions are rare. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of allergic reactions or if you experience unusual symptoms after the test.

Will I need to avoid any medications before the test?

Yes, certain medications can interfere with test results. Your doctor will provide specific instructions, but you may need to stop taking corticosteroids, hormonal medications (including birth control pills), and certain supplements for a period before the test. Never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider first.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on the laboratory. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results or discuss them at a follow-up appointment. Do not assume normal results if you have not heard from your doctor—always confirm that you have received your test results.

Sources

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy