Understanding Your Laboratory Test: A Patient Guide to Testing, Results, and Preparation
This test measures IgG antibodies against adrenal cortex tissue to help diagnose autoimmune-related adrenal insufficiency.
{"Detects immune system attack on adrenal glands","Helps diagnose autoimmune Addison's disease","Used along with cortisol and ACTH tests for complete evaluation","Positive result suggests autoimmune cause of adrenal dysfunction","Early detection allows timely treatment to prevent adrenal crisis"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56670-3
- Short code
- ADRXAB
- Synonyms
- Adrenal cortex IgG Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum Separator Tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 25
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 86255
- SNOMED
- 363524007
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL minimum (2.0 mL preferred)
- 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
- 20
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
This test is a laboratory procedure that helps your doctor evaluate your health by measuring specific substances in a sample collected from your body. The results provide important information about how well certain organs and systems are functioning and can help detect, diagnose, or monitor a wide range of medical conditions.
The Adrenal Cortex Antibody test is a blood test that detects IgG antibodies targeting the adrenal cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal glands). These antibodies can damage the adrenal glands, leading to reduced hormone production. This test is primarily used to determine if adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) is caused by an autoimmune condition.
Your doctor may order this test to investigate symptoms you have been experiencing, to screen for potential health problems before they cause noticeable signs, to monitor a condition you already have, or to check how well a current treatment is working over time.
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you show symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), or salt cravings. It helps distinguish autoimmune Addison's disease from other causes of adrenal dysfunction, such as infections, bleeding, or genetic conditions.
During the test, a trained healthcare professional will collect a small sample from you. This may involve drawing blood from a vein in your arm with a thin needle, or collecting another type of specimen depending on what your doctor has ordered. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch or mild discomfort. Afterward, your sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis, and your doctor will discuss the results with you.
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed for the presence of IgG antibodies against adrenal cortex tissue. You may experience slight discomfort or bruising at the needle site, but serious complications are rare.
Preparation depends on the specific test your doctor has ordered. You may be asked to fast for a certain number of hours, avoid certain foods, drinks, or medications, or drink extra water before your appointment. Be sure to follow any instructions your healthcare provider gives you, and let them know about all medications and supplements you currently take.
No special preparation is typically required for this test. However, always follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or medical conditions that might affect the test results.
Reference range
Negative: <20 Units/mL; Equivocal: 20-25 Units/mL; Positive: >25 Units/mLN/A
No special preparation required. This test does not require fasting. Inform physician of any immunosuppressive therapy or recent steroid use.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive Adrenal Cortex Antibody test indicates an autoimmune process attacking the adrenal glands, supporting a diagnosis of autoimmune Addison's disease (also called autoimmune adrenalitis). This is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency in developed countries. The presence of these antibodies, especially with other autoimmune markers, helps confirm the diagnosis and may guide long-term management. Early detection is crucial as it allows for timely hormone replacement therapy and prevents potentially life-threatening adrenal crises.
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
What does a negative result mean?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Can this test be done during an adrenal crisis?
How often will I need this 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