A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
ACTH, Plasma
Test Code211
Alias/See Also
LAB01084
CPT Codes
82024
Preferred Specimen
1.5 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Patient Preparation
Collect specimen between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. If drawn at any other time, the reference ranges do not apply.
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
PPT-potassium EDTA (white-top) tube
Instructions
Centrifuge immediately after collection to separate plasma from cells. Transfer plasma to a plastic specimen transport container and mark the specimen type as plasma on the container. Freeze immediately.
ACTH measurement is not recommended for patients who have been administered cosyntropin (ACTH (1-24)) because the results may be falsely elevated or depressed. Reference: Siemens Healthcare Customer Notification IMC20-04.A.US March 25, 2020.
ACTH measurement is not recommended for patients who have been administered cosyntropin (ACTH (1-24)) because the results may be falsely elevated or depressed. Reference: Siemens Healthcare Customer Notification IMC20-04.A.US March 25, 2020.
Transport Container
Transport tube
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 16 hours
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 28 days
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: 28 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Received thawed • Received room temperature • Received refrigerated
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Setup Schedule
Night shift 5 days a week
Report Available
2-3 days
Limitations
With patients receiving more than 5mg/day of biotin, a sample should be taken no sooner than eight hours after previous dose. Patients treated with monoclonal mouse antibodies may have inaccurate results. High titer of antibodies such as streptavidin and ruthenium may cause interference. Due to its correlation with cortisol levels, ACTH concentration is affected by stress. Any single measure may be within the reference range for patients with increased production (Cushing's disease) or minimal production of ACTH.
Reference Range
<3 Years | Not established |
3-17 Years | 9-57 pg/mL |
≥18 Years | 6-50 pg/mL |
Clinical Significance
Determination of ACTH is useful in differentiating between primary and secondary adrenocortical hypo- and hyperfunctional disorders: Addison's Disease, Cushing's Syndrome, Adrenal Carcinoma, Ectopic ACTH Syndrome, Nodular Hyperplasia.
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA |
33608 Ortega Highway |
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042 |