An ACTH test measures ACTH, a hormone released from the anterior pituitary gland in the brain.
Alternative NamesSerum adrenocorticotropic hormone; Adrenocorticotropic hormone; Highly-sensitive ACTH
How the test is performedBlood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
The levels of ACTH change with the body's natural 24-hour cycle of processes (circadian rhythms). This test is most accurate if it is performed early in the morning.
How to prepare for the testThe health care provider may advise you to stop taking steroid drugs. You may need to be at the laboratory or office where the blood is being drawn by or before 8 a.m.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThis test can help find the causes of hormone problems.
The main function of ACTH is to regulate the steroid hormone cortisol, which is released by the adrenal cortex.
Normal ValuesNormal values: 9 - 52 pg/mL
Note: pg/mL = picograms per milliliter
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanHigher than normal levels of ACTH may be due to:
Lower than normal levels of ACTH may be due to:
Other conditions under which the test may be performed:
What the risks areVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
Special handling of the blood sample is required.
ReferencesStewart PM. The adrenal cortex. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 14.
Melmed S, Kleinberg D. Anterior pituitary. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 8.
An ACTH test measures ACTH, a hormone released from the anterior pituitary gland in the brain.
Alternative NamesSerum adrenocorticotropic hormone; Adrenocorticotropic hormone; Highly-sensitive ACTH
How the test is performedA blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture
ACTH levels change with the body's natural 24-hour cycle of processes (circadian rhythms). This test is most accurate if it is performed early in the morning.
How to prepare for the testThe health care provider may advise you to stop taking steroid drugs. You may need to be at the laboratory or office where the blood is being drawn by or before 8 a.m.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThis test can help find the causes of hormone problems.
The main function of ACTH is to regulate the steroid hormone cortisol, which is released by the adrenal cortex.
Normal ValuesNormal values: 9 - 52 pg/mL
Note: pg/mL = picograms per milliliter
The examples above are common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanHigher-than-normal levels of ACTH may be present with:
Lower-than-normal levels of ACTH may be seen with:
Other conditions under which the test may be performed:
What the risks areVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
Special handling of the blood sample is required.
ReferencesStewart PM, Krone NP. The adrenal cortex. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 15.
Melmed S, Kleinberg D. Pituitary masses and tumors. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 9.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 12/11/2011
Nancy J. Rennert, MD, Chief of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
ACTH is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
ACTH is the short form of the adrenocorticotropic hormone.
I was just wondering if you can show a diagram of how ACTH works in the body?
ACTH stands for Adrenocorticotropic homone. So it stimulates the adrenal cortex.
ACTH _____Triggers secretion of adrenal cortex hormones
ACTH is the short form of adrenocortictropic hormone. THS is the short form of thyroid stimulating hormone.
ACTH secretion or release is elicited by hypothalmic CRH (Corticotropin-releasing hormone.)
parathyroids
humoral factors
ACTH is stress hormone. It should decrease the oral secretions. Rather it will decrease the oral secretions.
ACTH means adrenocorticotrophic hormone. The target for this hormone is adrenal gland. It stimulate the gland to produce the corticosteroid hormone.
testosterone