Category
SPECIAL CHEMISTRY.
Sub Category
ENDOCRINE
Synonyms/Aliases
ADRENOCORTICOTROPIN; CORTICOTROPIN
Abbreviations
ACTH
Type
INDIVIDUAL TEST
Results
RESULTS READY/ REPORTED IN 5 WORKING DAYS
Method
IMMUNOASSSAY
Temp
FROZEN (-20C)
Setup
BATCHED.
Components Parameters
N/A
PRE-ANALYTIC CONSIDERATIONS
Test Ordering Instructions
FILL OUT TEST REQUEST FORM FULLY & LEGIBLY.
Patient preparation
MORNING SAMPLE COLLECTION (7-10A.M.) AT REST.
Sample type
EDTA PLASMA
Container/ preservative
PRIMARY SAMPLE COLLECTION IN PLASTIC EDTA (PURPLE TOP) VACUTAINER.
Sample volume
AT LEAST 2ML EDTA PLASMA
Rejection criteria
LABELING ISSUE (UNLABELED/ MISLABELED); MISSING REQUEST FORM; MISMATCH BETWEEN REQUEST FORM & SAMPLE DETAILS; MISSING AGE/ GENDER; WRONG SAMPLE TYPE; INSUFFICIENT SAMPLE; SAMPLES WHICH ARE NOT FROZEN.
Other Instructions
PROMPTLY SEPARATE EDTA PLASMA AND IMMEDIATELY FREEZE. LABEL OF SEPARATION VIAL MUST INCLUDE SAMPLE TYPE.
Reference intervals
AGE & GENDER APPROPRIATE VALUES ARE PROVIDED ON THE REPORT.
Clinical Utility
EVALUATION OF CUSHING'S SYNDROME, CUSHING'S DISEASE, ECTOPIC ACTH PRODUCTION (HYPERCORTISOLISM) AND ADDISON'S DISEASE (HYPOCORTISOLISM).
Test Limitations/ Confounders
IMMUNOASSAY INTERFERENCE CAN GIVE RISE TO SPURIOUS RESULTS. SUCH INTERFERENCE CAN ARISE FROM PRESENCE OF HETEROPHILE ANTIBODIES, ANTI-ANIMAL ANTIBODIES, AUTOANTIBODIES, PARAPROTEINS, BIOTIN ETC. RESULTS SHOULD ALWAYS BE CORRELATED WITH CLINICAL FINDINGS.