Androst30mpchalserplmcnc
This test measures androstenedione hormone levels in your blood 30 minutes after receiving a hormone injection (stimulation) to evaluate how well your adrenal glands are working.
{"Measures androstenedione hormone levels after adrenal gland stimulation","Helps diagnose adrenal gland disorders like congenital adrenal hyperplasia","Involves a blood draw before and 30 minutes after a stimulation injection","The stimulation is typically with ACTH (cosyntropin) or hCG hormone"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56498-9
- Short code
- ANDRO30PC
- Synonyms
- Androst 30M p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 80
- Ref high
- 200
- 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
- 165558000
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–120 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Androstenedione Stimulation Test is a blood test that measures the level of androstenedione in your serum or plasma. Androstenedione is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands (located on top of your kidneys), as well as in smaller amounts by the ovaries in women and testes in men. This hormone is a precursor to other important hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
How does the test work?
The test involves two blood draws: one before and one 30 minutes after receiving a "challenge" injection. The challenge is typically with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, also called cosyntropin) or sometimes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This injection stimulates your adrenal glands to produce more hormones. By comparing the before and after levels, doctors can see how well your adrenal glands respond to stimulation and identify any problems with hormone production.
Why is it performed?
This test is primarily used to evaluate adrenal gland function. It helps doctors diagnose conditions that affect hormone production, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a genetic disorder affecting adrenal hormone production), adrenal insufficiency (underactive adrenal glands), and certain adrenal tumors. It may also be used to evaluate pubertal disorders or abnormal hair growth in women (hirsutism).
How to prepare
Follow your doctor's instructions about any medications you may need to stop before the test. You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for a certain period before the test. Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, as some can affect hormone levels. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood draw.
What to expect during the test
A healthcare professional will first draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. Then, you will receive an injection (usually of ACTH or hCG). You will wait for 30 minutes, and then another blood sample will be drawn. The entire procedure usually takes about 45-60 minutes. You may experience mild discomfort during the blood draw, and the injection may cause a brief stinging sensation.
Reference range
Adult: 80-200 ng/dLN/A
No special preparation required; however, specimen should be collected at exactly 30 minutes post-challenge as part of dynamic endocrine testing protocol. Patient should remain at rest during the challenge period.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings3
Frequently asked questions
Are there any risks or side effects?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to do anything special after the test?
Can this test be done at any time of day?
What medications might affect the test results?
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