Understanding Your Medical Test: Purpose, Preparation, and What to Expect
A blood test that measures 11-Hydroxyandrostenedione levels after adrenal gland stimulation to evaluate adrenal function.
{"Measures hormone levels 1 hour after corticotropin (ACTH) injection","Helps diagnose adrenal gland disorders like congenital adrenal hyperplasia","Requires a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm","The test involves a stimulation agent to check how well your adrenal glands respond","Results help doctors understand if your adrenal glands are producing hormones properly"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50070-2
- Short code
- 11-OHA ACTH stim
- Synonyms
- 11OH-Ad 1h p 250 ug ACTH SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, gold top) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3
- Ref high
- 15
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or Immunoassay
- CPT
- 82533
- SNOMED
- 414299006
- Specimen volume
- 2-3 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test? This test is a medical procedure that helps your healthcare provider evaluate how your body is working, look for signs of illness, and gather important information to guide your care.
The 11-Hydroxyandrostenedione test measures the amount of a hormone called 11-Hydroxyandrostenedione in your blood. This hormone is produced by your adrenal glands, which are small glands located on top of each kidney. The test is performed after an injection of corticotropin (ACTH), a hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce hormones. Your blood is drawn 1 hour after the injection to see how your adrenal glands responded.
Why do I need this test? Your provider may order this test to confirm or rule out a health condition, monitor a problem you already have, check your overall health, or see how well a current treatment is working.
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect you have a problem with your adrenal glands. This test helps diagnose conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a genetic disorder affecting hormone production), adrenal insufficiency (when the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones), or other adrenal disorders. It can also help distinguish between different types of adrenal gland problems.
How should I prepare for this test? Follow any specific instructions from your provider, such as fasting or adjusting your medications, tell your care team about allergies or medicines you take, and arrive on time with your ID and insurance card.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. You may need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for a certain period before the test. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, as some medicines can affect test results. Your doctor may ask you to stop certain medications before the test. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood draw.
What happens during the test? A trained member of your care team will explain each step, collect the needed sample or take the required measurements, and help you stay comfortable throughout the visit, which usually takes only a short time.
First, a healthcare professional will give you an injection of corticotropin (ACTH) into your muscle or vein. After exactly 1 hour, a blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood draw only takes a few minutes. You may feel a brief pinch or sting when the needle is inserted. You can resume your normal activities after the test.
Are there any risks? Most patients have few or no problems. You may notice mild, temporary effects such as soreness, bruising, or brief discomfort. Contact your provider promptly if you develop unusual pain, swelling, bleeding, fever, or other concerning symptoms.
The risks of this test are minimal. You may experience slight pain, bruising, or bleeding at the injection site. Some people may feel lightheaded during or after the blood draw. The corticotropin injection may cause temporary flushing, increased heart rate, or mild nausea. These side effects usually go away quickly. Serious reactions to the injection are rare.
Reference range
Reference range: 3.0-15.0 nmol/L at 1 hour post 250 mcg ACTH stimulation. Normal response shows significant increase from baseline. Peak levels typically occur 30-60 minutes post-stimulation.N/A
Patient should rest for 30 minutes prior to test. Baseline sample collected, then 250 mcg corticotropin (ACTH) administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Second sample collected exactly 60 minutes post-administration. Inform patient about potential for mild flushing or dizziness during test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is primarily used to evaluate adrenal gland function. Abnormal results may indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a condition where the adrenal glands produce too much or too little of certain hormones. The test can also help diagnose adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) and distinguish between adrenal and pituitary causes of hormone imbalances. Results are interpreted alongside other hormone tests and clinical symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the test take?
When will I get my results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What do abnormal results mean?
Can I take my regular medications before the test?
Sources
- 1
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- 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