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Mint Green Top (Lithium Heparin Gel)
Specimen Requirements
Preferred:
Container/Tube: Mint Green Top (Lithium Heparin Gel)
Minimum Volume: 1.0 mL Serum
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge within 2 hours
Also Acceptable:
Container/Tube: Gold Top (SST-Gel)
Specimen Stability
Ambient: 8 hours
Refrigerate: 48 hours
Frozen: aliquot for longer storage
Methodology
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
CPT
82533 (x3)
Purpose of ACTH Stimulation Test
This test determines how the adrenal glands respond to a certain hormone. The hormone is called adrenocorticotrophic hormone, also known as ACTH. ACTH is made in the pituitary gland and travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands. ACTH stimulates the adrenal gland to release Cortisol. Cortisol is a key factor in many functions in the body's metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, sodium, potassium, and protein.
Test Intervals
This test includes a series of 3 Cortiol Blood draws
1. Baseline Cortisol
2. 30 minute post injection Cortisol
3. 1 hour post injection Cortisol