Test Code ACTH Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Plasma
Reporting Name
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, PUseful For
Determining the cause of hypercortisolism and hypocortisolism
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
Plasma EDTANecessary Information
Separate specimens should be submitted when multiple tests are ordered.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For the 12 hours before specimen collection do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.
Supplies: Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T465)
Collection Container/Tube: Ice-cooled, lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic, 5 mL, aliquot tube
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Morning (6 a.m.-10:30 a.m.) specimen is desirable.
2. Collect with a pre-chilled lavender top (EDTA) tube and transport to the laboratory on ice.
3. Centrifuge at refrigerated temperature within 2 hours and immediately separate plasma from cells.
4. Immediately freeze plasma.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.75 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Plasma EDTA | Frozen (preferred) | 28 days | |
Refrigerated | 3 hours | ||
Ambient | 2 hours |
Reference Values
7.2-63 pg/mL (a.m. draws)
No established reference values for p.m. draws
Pediatric reference values are the same as adults, as confirmed by peer reviewed literature.
Petersen KE: ACTH in normal children and children with pituitary and adrenal diseases. I. Measurement in plasma by radioimmunoassay-basal values. Acta Paediatr Scand 1981;70:341-345
For SI unit Reference Values, see https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Saturday; 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved or is exempt by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82024
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
ACTH | Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, P | 2141-0 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
ACTH | Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, P | 2141-0 |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-General Request (T239)
-Oncology Test Request (T729)