Specimen Information

Type

Pre-chilled Lavender (EDTA)

Volume

1.5 ml

Transport Info

Centrifuge and immediately transfer plasma to separate plastic tube
Freeze specimen

CRITICAL FROZEN--Separate samples must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered

Fasting Required?

False

Clinical Significance

Useful in differential diagnosis of pituitary Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, autonomous ACTH producing pituitary tumors (e.g., Nelson’s syndrome), hypopituitarism with ACTH deficiency, and ectopic ACTH syndromes

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a polypeptide hormone that exists principally as a chain, 39 amino acid long, with a molecular mass of approximately 4,500 daltons. It is produced in the pituitary and serves to stimulate steroid production by the adrenal cortex. ACTH secretion is in turn controlled by the hypothalamic hormone corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and by negative feedback from cortisol.