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HelpTest Code ACTH Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Plasma
Reporting Name
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, PUseful For
Determining the cause of hypercortisolism and hypocortisolism
Necessary Information
Separate specimens should be submitted when multiple tests are ordered.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection, patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements (eg, hair, skin, and nail supplements) containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Supplies: Sarstedt 5 mL Aliquot Tube (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Ice-cooled, lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Morning (7 a.m.-10 a.m.) specimen is desirable.
2. Collect with a pre-chilled lavender top (EDTA) tube and transport to the laboratory on ice.
3. Within 2 hours of collection centrifuge at refrigerated temperature and immediately separate plasma from cells.
4. Immediately freeze plasma.
Collect 2.0 mL whole blood in an ice-cooled Lavender/EDTA tube.
Processing note: Ambient centrifuge acceptable as long as sample is spun down right away.
Specimen Type
Plasma EDTASpecimen 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 |
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
TAT: 3 - 5 days
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay
Method Description
The Roche Elecsys ACTH (corticotropin, previously adrenocorticotropic hormone) assay is a sandwich, electrochemiluminescence immunoassay that employs a biotinylated monoclonal ACTH-specific antibody and a monoclonal ACTH specific antibody labeled with a ruthenium complex. ACTH in the specimen reacts with both the biotinylated monoclonal ACTH-specific antibody and the monoclonal ACTH-specific antibody labeled with a ruthenium complex, forming a sandwich complex. Streptavidin-coated microparticles are added and the mixture incubates allowing the newly formed sandwich complex to become bound to the solid phase via the biotin streptavidin interaction. The reaction mixture is aspirated into the measuring cell where the microparticles are magnetically captured onto the surface of the electrode. Application of voltage to the electrode induces the chemiluminescent emission, which is then measured.
The assay employs two monoclonal antibodies specific for ACTH (9-12) and for the C-terminal region (ACTH 36-39). Due to common antigenic structure, the antibodies recognize intact biologically active ACTH 1-39 and the ACTH precursors pro-opiomelanocortin and pro-ACTH.(Package insert: Elecsys ACTH. Roche Diagnostics; V 1.0, 12/2020)
Reference Values
7.2-63 pg/mL (a.m. draws)
Reference ranges are based on samples drawn between 7 a.m.-10 a.m.
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(3):341-345
For International System of Units (SI) conversion for Reference Values, see www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html.
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US 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 |
Report Available
1 to 3 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-General Request (T239)
-Oncology Test Request (T729)