Your Test: What It Is, Why You Need It, and What to Expect
This test measures the level of androstenedione, a hormone that serves as a building block for testosterone and estrogen, in your blood before receiving corticotropin (ACTH) injection.
{"Measures androstenedione hormone levels in blood before ACTH stimulation test","Helps evaluate adrenal gland and gonadal function","Used to diagnose hormonal disorders like congenital adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovary syndrome","Blood sample is taken before the corticotropin injection is administered","Results help doctors understand how your body produces and processes steroid hormones"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47560-8
- Short code
- ANDROST
- Synonyms
- Androst pre 250 ug ACTH IM SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube; plasma may be collected in heparin or EDTA tubes
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.3
- Ref high
- 4
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or Immunoassay
- CPT
- 82157
- SNOMED
- 46705005
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum or plasma
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–120 hours
- Order
- routine
What exactly is this test, what does it measure, and what can the results tell my doctor about my health?
The Androstenedione test measures the amount of androstenedione in your blood. Androstenedione is a steroid hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands (above your kidneys) and in smaller amounts by the ovaries in women and testes in men. It serves as a precursor (building block) for both testosterone and estrogen. This specific test is performed BEFORE you receive an injection of corticotropin (ACTH), which is a hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more steroids. The 'pre' measurement provides your baseline level.
Why might my doctor have ordered this test for me, and what conditions or health concerns can it help identify?
Your doctor may order this test to: evaluate how well your adrenal glands are working; help diagnose conditions causing excessive or deficient hormone production; investigate signs of early or delayed puberty; help identify the cause of irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism), or acne in women; and evaluate adrenal tumors or testicular/ovarian masses. This test is often part of a larger ACTH stimulation test series where multiple blood samples are taken to see how your adrenal glands respond to stimulation.
How should I prepare for this test, including any eating, drinking, or medication instructions I need to follow beforehand?
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. You may need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8-12 hours before the test. Certain medications can affect test results, so inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take. Corticosteroids, hormonal contraceptives, and certain antidepressants may interfere with results. The test is typically performed in the morning because hormone levels can vary throughout the day. Wear a short-sleeved shirt to make it easier to draw blood.
What actually happens during the test, how is it performed, and about how long should I expect the whole visit to take?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief sting or pinch. The blood will be collected in a test tube. After the draw, you will then receive an injection of corticotropin (ACTH). Additional blood samples will be taken at specific time intervals (usually 30 and 60 minutes after the injection) to measure how androstenedione and other hormone levels change in response to stimulation. The entire procedure may take 1-2 hours.
Are there any risks, side effects, or discomforts associated with this test that I should be aware of before it begins?
The risks associated with blood drawing are minimal and include slight bruising, soreness, or bleeding at the injection site. Some people may feel lightheaded. The ACTH injection may cause temporary flushing, increased heart rate, or mild anxiety. Serious reactions to ACTH are rare but can include allergic reactions. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience unusual symptoms such as severe headache, difficulty breathing, or swelling at the injection site.
Reference range
Reference ranges vary by age, sex, and laboratory methodology. Pre-stimulation baseline ranges: Adult males 0.6-3.1 ng/mL; Adult females 0.3-3.5 ng/mL (follicular), 0.6-4.0 ng/mL (luteal). Post-corticotropin (250 ug IM) stimulation typically shows a 2-4 fold increase from baseline.N/A
No special preparation required. For stimulation test: baseline sample drawn prior to 250 ug synthetic corticotropin (ACTH/Synacthen) IM administration, followed by post-stimulation sample at 30 or 60 minutes per institutional protocol.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Will I feel pain during the blood draw?
How long does it take to get results?
What do abnormal results mean?
Can I take my regular medications before the test?
Is there anything else I should know?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy