Saturday, February, 11, 2012

ACTH (Cortrosyn) stimulation test

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Tests of adrenal reserve; Cortrosyn stimulation test


Normal Values

An increase in cortisol after stimulation by ACTH is normal. Blood cortisol after ACTH stimulation should be greater than 18 - 20 mcg/dL, depending on the dose of cosyntropin used.

Note: mcg/dL = micrograms per deciliter

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.


What abnormal results mean

This test is helpful in determining if you have:

  • Acute adrenal crisis
  • Addison's disease (decreased adrenal output)
  • Low pituitary function
  • Pituitary tumors

Review Date: 10/14/2009
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)