WHAT IS AN ACTH TEST?
An ACTH test calculates the ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic) hormone levels in the blood. The ACTH hormone is produced in the pituitary gland, which is a small gland located at the brain’s base. The ACTH hormone is responsible for controlling the production of another hormone which is known as cortisol. The cortisol hormone is formed in the adrenal glands which are present above the kidneys.
WHEN TO GET TESTED FOR AN ACTH TEST?
An ACTH test is conducted together with a cortisol test to diagnose any one of the following health conditions in the adrenal or pituitary glands:
- ADDISON DISEASE: In Addison disease, the adrenal gland does not produce cortisol in enough amount.
- CUSHING’S SYNDROME: In Cushing’s syndrome, the adrenal gland produces cortisol in abundance. The cause of this disorder can be a tumor in the pituitary gland.
- CUSHING’S DISEASE: Cushing’s disease is a type of ushing’s syndrome in which the pituitary glands produce excessive amounts of ACTH. This disease is caused by a tumor (noncancerous) in the pituitary gland.
- HYPOPITUITARISM: In Hypopituitarism, the pituitary gland isn’t capable of producing enough amount of some or all of the hormones it is supposed to produce.
Your healthcare practitioner might ask you to conduct an ACTH test when they suspect symptoms of either high cortisol or low cortisol.
SYMPTOMS OF HIGH CORTISOL
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Increase in body hair
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Fat buildup on shoulders
- Easily bruised skin
- Stretch marks in purple or pink shade on the thighs, abdomen and breasts
SYMPTOMS OF LOW CORTISOL
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain in abdomen
- Diarrhea
- Loss in weight
- Salt craving
- Skin color turning dark
WHAT ARE THE PREPARATIONS AND SAMPLE COLLECTION FOR THE TEST?
As part of the test preparation, you need to fast overnight. Moreover, the sample for an ACTH test is collected by drawing blood from veins; usually the arm. The sample collection for the test usually takes 5 minutes or less. It is advised to conduct the test usually at 8 in the morning after fasting overnight.
WHAT DO THE TEST RESULTS MEAN?
The results of the ACTH test and cortisol level test conducted are compared to identify your disease. Following could be the possible results:
- Low ACTH and low cortisol levels: These results could indicate hypopituitarism.
- Low ACTH and high cortisol levels: These results could mean that you have either Cushing’s syndrome or there’s a tumor in the adrenal gland.
- High ACTH and low cortisol levels: These results show that you may have Addison disease.
- High ACTH and high cortisol levels: These results could mean that you have Cushing’s disease.
CONTACT AWAMI LAB NOW
If you feel any of the symptoms of electrolyte imbalance mentioned above, contact Awami labs to conduct the best ACTH test in Gujrat. Moreover, our professional and trained technicians conduct the best ACTH test in Gujrat in the cleanest and safest way. For accurate and authentic results, we encourage you to concern Awami Lab.
