Androstenedione Blood Test: What It Is, What It Measures, and When Your Doctor May Order It
This test measures androstenedione levels in blood 30 minutes after ACTH injection to evaluate adrenal gland function.
{"Androstenedione is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands","This test checks how well your adrenal glands respond to ACTH stimulation","Blood is drawn 30 minutes after receiving an ACTH injection","It helps diagnose adrenal insufficiency and related disorders","No fasting is required, but follow your doctor's preparation instructions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13858-6
- Short code
- ANDRO30
- Synonyms
- Androst 30M p 250 ug ACTH IM SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.4
- Ref high
- 4.5
- Critical range
- 20 N/A – 400 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
- 10360008
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 24 hours at room temperature, 7 days at 2-8°C, and 30 days frozen at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What exactly is the androstenedione test, and why might my healthcare provider recommend having it done?
The ACTH stimulation test for androstenedione measures the amount of androstenedione hormone in your blood 30 minutes after receiving an injection of corticotropin (ACTH). ACTH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that signals your adrenal glands to produce hormones. This test evaluates how well your adrenal glands are functioning by checking if they respond appropriately to ACTH stimulation.
How is the androstenedione test performed, and what can I expect when my blood sample is drawn in the office?
A healthcare provider will first draw a baseline blood sample. Then, they will give you an injection of 250 mcg of synthetic ACTH (corticotropin) into a muscle. After exactly 30 minutes, another blood sample will be drawn to measure your androstenedione levels. The entire procedure typically takes about an hour.
What does androstenedione do in the body, and how can abnormal hormone levels affect my overall health?
Androstenedione is a precursor hormone that can be converted into testosterone and estrogen. It is primarily produced by the adrenal glands in both men and women. This hormone plays a role in the development of male characteristics and helps regulate various bodily functions.
How should I prepare for the androstenedione test, and do I need to fast or stop any medications first?
Follow your doctor's instructions regarding medication adjustments. Certain medications, especially corticosteroids and hormone therapies, may need to be paused before the test. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking. No fasting is typically required for this test, but confirm with your healthcare provider.
Reference range
Reference ranges vary by age, sex, and laboratory method. Baseline androstenedione in adults: 0.4-4.5 ng/mL (males), 0.3-3.5 ng/mL (females). Post-corticotropin stimulation (250 mcg IM) values typically increase 2-5 fold over baseline in normal individuals.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Test is performed as part of ACTH (corticotropin) stimulation test. Patient should be in a rested state prior to blood draw.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is primarily used to evaluate adrenal gland function and diagnose adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease). In a healthy response, androstenedione levels should increase significantly after ACTH stimulation. A blunted or absent response may indicate adrenal insufficiency, adrenal hyperplasia, or other adrenal disorders. The test may also help distinguish between primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Abnormal results may suggest: Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), Secondary adrenal insufficiency (pituitary gland problems), Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or Adrenal tumors. Your doctor will interpret your results in conjunction with other clinical findings and may order additional tests if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ACTH injection safe?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
Can this test be done during pregnancy?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy