ACTH (Adreno Corticotropic Hormone)
Report in 24Hrs
At Home
Details
Assesses pituitary secretion of ACTH, regulating cortisol production; used in Cushing’s or Addison’s disease.
₹775₹1950
60% OFF
1000+ Booked this Test
🧪 ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) Test
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Fasting Required? | ✅ Yes – typically 8–10 hours (morning sample preferred) |
Sample Type | Blood (plasma, collected in pre-chilled EDTA tubes) |
Main Organs Involved | Pituitary gland, adrenal glands |
Primary Use | Diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, and pituitary tumors |
🧬 What is ACTH?
- ACTH is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland.
- It stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol, a key stress and metabolism hormone.
- ACTH follows a diurnal rhythm – highest in early morning and lowest at night.
🧠 Clinical Importance
Test Use | Why It’s Done |
|---|---|
✅ Evaluate adrenal insufficiency | Helps differentiate primary (Addison’s) vs secondary (pituitary) causes |
✅ Investigate Cushing’s syndrome | Determine if ACTH-dependent or independent cause of excess cortisol |
🧬 Monitor pituitary tumors | Evaluate functioning of ACTH-producing tumors |
⚖️ Assess HPA axis function | Part of dynamic testing (e.g., stimulation or suppression tests) |
📈 ACTH Level Interpretation
ACTH Level | Cortisol Level | Possible Condition |
|---|---|---|
⬆️ High | ⬇️ Low | Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s) |
⬇️ Low | ⬇️ Low | Secondary adrenal insufficiency (pituitary issue) |
⬆️ High | ⬆️ High | Cushing’s disease (pituitary tumor) |
⬇️ Low | ⬆️ High | Adrenal tumor or corticosteroid overuse |
🔬 Dynamic Tests Often Done with ACTH
Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
Serum Cortisol (8 AM & 4 PM) | Assesses adrenal response and daily rhythm |
ACTH Stimulation Test (Cosyntropin) | Checks adrenal gland's capacity to respond to ACTH |
Dexamethasone Suppression Test | Evaluates cause of high cortisol levels |
CRH Stimulation Test | Distinguishes between pituitary and ectopic ACTH source |
🧪 Other Related Tests
Test | Why It’s Relevant |
|---|---|
Aldosterone & Renin | Helps assess adrenal axis comprehensively |
Electrolytes (Na, K) | Sodium/potassium imbalances are often linked to adrenal issues |
DHEA-S | Measures adrenal androgen output |
MRI of Pituitary/CT Adrenals | Used if ACTH-producing tumors or adrenal tumors are suspected |
✅ Summary Table
Test Name | ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) |
|---|---|
Purpose | Evaluate adrenal & pituitary hormone function |
Fasting | ✅ Yes (early morning preferred) |
Sample Handling | Collected on ice, transported quickly to lab |
Used With | Cortisol, Dexamethasone test, ACTH stimulation, MRI/CT |
How our test process works!
