Diagnostic Testing Overview: What This Test Is, Why It Is Done, and How It Is Performed
This test detects antibodies against the adrenal cortex to help diagnose autoimmune adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease).
{"Measures antibodies that attack the adrenal gland","Used to diagnose autoimmune Addison's disease","Helps distinguish autoimmune from other causes of adrenal failure","Positive result indicates immune system damage to adrenal glands","Often ordered with cortisol and ACTH tests"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43608-9
- Short code
- Adrenal Cortex Ab
- Synonyms
- Adrenal cortex Ab Ser Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay or Immunofluorescence)
- CPT
- 83516
- SNOMED
- 1188610003
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
This test is a medical diagnostic procedure that helps your healthcare provider evaluate how well your body is functioning and look for signs of illness or injury. The results provide important information that guides decisions about your diagnosis and treatment plan.
The adrenal cortex antibody test detects the presence of autoantibodies in the blood that target the adrenal cortex—the outer layer of the adrenal glands. These glands sit on top of your kidneys and produce essential hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. When the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies against the adrenal cortex, it leads to autoimmune adrenalitis, also known as autoimmune Addison's disease. This test helps determine if your adrenal insufficiency is caused by an autoimmune condition.
Your doctor may order this test to confirm or rule out a suspected condition, monitor an illness you already have, check how well a treatment is working, or screen for health problems before symptoms appear. The results help your care team choose the safest and most effective plan for you.
This test is primarily ordered when a patient shows symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), salt cravings, and nausea. It helps healthcare providers confirm whether the condition is due to an autoimmune attack on the adrenal glands. The test is also useful in differentiating autoimmune Addison's disease from other causes of adrenal failure, such as infections, medications, or genetic disorders.
The way this test is performed depends on the type of sample or measurement involved. In most cases, a trained member of your care team collects a small sample, such as blood, urine, or tissue, or uses imaging equipment. The procedure is usually quick, causes little discomfort, and you can often go home the same day.
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed for the presence of adrenal cortex antibodies using immunoassay techniques. No special preparation is typically required, though your doctor may ask you to fast or adjust certain medications before the test.
Reference range
Negative: No detectable adrenal cortex antibodies; Positive indicates presence of autoantibodiesN/A
No special preparation required. This test does not require fasting. Inform physician of any immunosuppressive medications or recent infections.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive adrenal cortex antibody test indicates the presence of autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune adrenalitis as the cause of adrenal insufficiency. This is a key diagnostic marker for autoimmune Addison's disease. The presence of these antibodies often precedes the development of clinical symptoms and can help identify the disease in its early stages. Healthcare providers may use this result to guide treatment with immunosuppressive therapy in some cases. Additionally, this test may be used to monitor disease progression and response to treatment.
A negative result does not completely rule out Addison's disease, as the condition may be caused by non-autoimmune factors. Clinical correlation with cortisol levels, ACTH stimulation tests, and imaging studies is essential for a complete diagnosis. Patients with positive results may also be evaluated for other autoimmune conditions, as autoimmune Addison's disease is commonly associated with other autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, and vitiligo.
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before this test?
What do positive results mean?
Can the test be negative even if I have Addison's disease?
How is this test different from cortisol tests?
Do I need to stop taking my medications before the test?
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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy