ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE STIMULATION TEST (ACTH STIMULATION TEST)

The unit responsible for your care books an appointment for an ACTH stimulation test for you.

The purpose of the ACTH stimulation test is to examine the functioning of your adrenal cortex. ACTH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the adrenal cortex. In the test, you are given ACTH and it is monitored how much the content of cortisol released by the adrenal glands increases in your blood.

Glucocorticoids influence the test result

Your attending physician gives you instructions for temporary discontinuation of your medication before the test. Avoid taking the medication where possible. Glucocorticoids in particular interfere with the interpretation of the test results. Do not take glucocorticoids on the night before the ACTH stimulation test or on the morning of the test.

Eating and drinking

You can eat and drink normally on the morning of the test.

You can also take prescription medication (apart from glucocorticoids).

Alcohol influences the test result

It is recommended to avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test.

Stress influences the test result

Avoid physical exertion that causes sweating for 24 hours before the test.

Mental stress can influence the test result. Inform the laboratory assistant taking your blood samples if you suffer from stress, depression etc.

Blood samples

At the start of the test, a blood sample is taken and you are given an ACTH injection. After this, another blood sample is taken after 30 and 60 minutes. For children, samples are taken either after 30 and 60 minutes (mini-ACTH) or 60 and 20 minutes.

You must remain at the clinic or in the department until the test is over.

Further information

For more information, please contact the customer service of Fimlab Laboratoriot Oy, tel. (03) 311 74445 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or the customer service of the Ostrobothnia region, tel. (06) 213 1626 on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Should you need to cancel your testing appointment, please contact the unit responsible for your care.