ACTH Test: Price, Purpose, Procedure, Uses, and Results

Table of Content

Introduction to the ACTH test 

The pituitary gland produces ACTH and stimulates your adrenal glands to make cortisol, a hormone crucial for stress response, metabolism, and blood sugar regulation. The hormone is a chemical messenger in your blood that controls the actions of certain cells and organs. The test measures your blood sample's adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level.

High ACTH might indicate Cushing's disease, a pituitary gland tumor causing excessive cortisol production. Low ACTH could suggest Addison's disease, where the adrenal gland fails to produce enough cortisol. Your doctor may recommend this ACTH lab test to diagnose conditions linked to abnormal cortisol levels. However, you should consult your doctor if you have weight gain, fatigue, high blood pressure, easy bruising (Cushing's) or weakness, low blood pressure, and weight loss (Addison's). You can choose Redcliffe Labs to take the ACTH blood test. The professionals here provide the best diagnostic experience, ensuring affordability and quality. So what are you waiting for? Book your test today!

Test details in brief

What is the role and function of the ACTH hormone?

ACTH hormone plays a vital role. 

• The anterior pituitary gland produces CTH hormone, a pea-sized gland located at the base of your brain.
• ACTH travels through the bloodstream and reaches the adrenal glands, two small glands on top of your kidneys. Once it binds to receptors on the adrenal glands, it prompts them to release cortisol.
• Cortisol has wide-ranging effects, influencing metabolism, blood sugar control, inflammation, immune system, and stress response. 
• ACTH release is controlled by a feedback loop involving the hypothalamus and cortisol levels. When cortisol levels are low, the hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary to release more ACTH, stimulating cortisol production. Conversely, high cortisol levels signal the hypothalamus to decrease CRH production, reducing ACTH release and maintaining cortisol balance.

Purpose of the ACTH test 

The main purpose of the ACTH test is to detect abnormal cortisol production in the body. Here is what the ACTH test measures: 

• The test measures the ACTH levels in your blood.
• The test detects the issues with cortisol production by the adrenal glands.
• The test helps diagnose the ACTH levels. High ACTH levels indicate a tumor in the pituitary gland that's causing excessive cortisol production. 
• Low ACTH levels indicate the adrenal glands malfunctioning and not producing enough cortisol.

What does the ACTH test measure?

The ACTH test measures the level of ACTH in your blood. ACTH promotes the adrenal glands to release cortisol, a steroid hormone that helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress.

The test measures ACTH levels; high levels may indicate Cushing's disease, ectopic ACTH syndrome, or adrenal insufficiency. However, low ACTH levels may suggest adrenal tumors, secondary adrenal insufficiency, or an overproduction of cortisol from another cause.

Preparation for the ACTH test 

Usually, no such preparation is required before an ACTH test; however, follow the instructions of your healthcare expert. 

• Fasting- You can skip the sample collection. You can eat as usual.
• Discuss with the doctor- If you take any medications, consult with your doctor beforehand. 
• Clothing- Wear comfortable clothing so the phlebotomist can easily access the arm area to collect blood samples.
• Morning Test—The test is usually done in the morning, as ACTH levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day.
• No vigorous exercise—Before the test, avoid vigorous exercise, such as cycling, running, or walking briskly, to avoid hormone fluctuations and ensure accurate test results. 

The procedure of the ACTH test 

During the ACTH Test, a healthcare provider will take a blood sample from the vein of your arm. 

• Starting from the first step, the healthcare provider will tie an elastic tourniquet around your upper arm to increase blood flow for sample collection.
• Next, the healthcare provider will clean the arm area with an antiseptic or alcohol-based solution to reduce the risk of infection. 
• Next, he will collect the blood sample using a sterile needle. The process will take only a few minutes. There may be minor pain during the procedure, but it will eventually get normal.
•  After removing the needle and applying pressure to the puncture site, the blood sample will be labeled and then sent to a laboratory for analysis. 

What do the ACTH test reports indicate?

ACTH test results show the following results- 

• Normal ACTH Levels—If your ACTH level falls within the normal range of the ACTH test, your pituitary and adrenal glands are functioning normally in cortisol production.
• High ACTH Levels- A higher-than-normal ACTH level may indicate risk of several possibilities:
• Cushing's Disease: This indicates a potential tumor in the pituitary gland that's causing excessive ACTH production, which can lead to adrenal glands overproducing cortisol.
• Ectopic ACTH Syndrome: In rare cases, a tumor outside the pituitary gland might produce ACTH.
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is a genetic condition in which the adrenal glands have difficulty producing cortisol. 
•  Low ACTH Levels- A lower-than-normal ACTH level could indicate:
• Addison's Disease: This suggests damage to the adrenal glands, preventing them from producing enough cortisol.
• Pituitary Dysfunction: Issues with the pituitary gland might hinder its ability to produce sufficient ACTH.

Consult your reports with the doctor to see if they fall under the ACTH test's normal range. Each patient has a unique medical history, and your doctor may order additional tests, like a cortisol test, alongside the ACTH test to get a more complete picture and confirm suspicions. 

What happens when the ACTH levels are high?

Here are a few conditions that can cause high ACTH levels. Here are some: 

• Cushing's disease occurs when a tumor in the pituitary gland starts producing too much ACTH. The excess ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to make too much cortisol, leading to Cushing's syndrome.
• Ectopic ACTH syndrome- In rare cases, a tumor outside the pituitary gland, such as in the lungs, pancreas, or thymus, can start releasing ACTH. This ACTH then acts on the adrenal glands, causing them to produce excess cortisol.
• Addison's disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands are unable to produce enough cortisol. In response, the pituitary gland tries to increase cortisol production by releasing more ACTH. However, since the adrenal glands are already damaged, they can't respond to the extra ACTH, which results in high ACTH levels and low cortisol levels.

So, if you notice any symptoms related to high ACTH levels, consult your doctor and get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

What happens when the ACTH levels are low?

Low ACTH levels lead to adrenal insufficiency, also known as hypoadrenalism. This happens because ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Symptoms of low ACTH levels include fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, low blood pressure, and mood changes. 

Here are some potential causes of low ACTH levels:

• Pituitary gland issues—Damaged pituitary glands, caused by surgery, radiation, or a tumor, can affect the gland's ability to produce ACTH.
• Hypopituitarism- In this condition, the adrenal gland cannot produce enough hormones. 
• Cushing's syndrome- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications to treat Cushing's syndrome can suppress ACTH production.

If you suspect you might have low ACTH levels, consult your healthcare professional. They can recommend blood tests to measure your ACTH and cortisol levels and determine the underlying cause.

What are the benefits of ACTH blood tests?

The ACTH lab test offers several benefits, especially in diagnosing and managing various endocrine disorders. 

• The ACTH test helps diagnose conditions related to adrenal gland function, such as Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome. 
• Since the pituitary gland produces ACTH, the test can help evaluate pituitary gland disorders, including pituitary tumors or hypopituitarism.
• For people undergoing treatment for adrenal or pituitary disorders, the ACTH test can help monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust medications as needed.
• The test can highlight the cause of symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, including weight changes, muscle weakness, fatigue, and high blood pressure.
• The ACTH test results can guide further diagnostic testing and imaging studies, ensuring a more targeted and effective diagnostic approach.

When should I get this test?

An ACTH lab test measures cortisol levels and determines when someone shows signs of excess or deficient cortisol. 

Too much cortisol can cause these symptoms including:

• Obesity
• Rounded, red face
• Purple lines on the abdomen
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Increased body hair
• Skin infections
• Acne
• Fat collection between the shoulders

If you have insufficient cortisol production, you may show symptoms such as:

• Muscle weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
• Salt cravings
• Weight loss

Symptoms of hypopituitarism include:

• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Dysfunction of sex organs
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Cold sensitivity
• Hot flashes

What are the risks of the ACTH Test?

ACTH test is a blood test with no or minimal risk. But there can be some risks associated with the blood draw procedure, including:

• Lightheadedness
• infection
• fainting
• hematoma
• inflammation of vein 
• Pain and discomfort
• excessive bleeding

These risks are minor and temporary. If you have concerns or experience significant discomfort or symptoms after the test, it's always advisable to inform your doctor or phlebotomist.

ACTH test price at Redcliffe Labs

The ACTH test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 1600. You can book your test using the Redcliffe Labs app or call us to book your appointment! Our labs are equipped with advanced, cutting-edge technology, so we ensure we provide you with quality reports to maintain your trust. We have over 80 labs and 2000+ collection centers, and we provide 3600+ tests. We promise 100% report correctness and a money-back guarantee. So what are you waiting for? Call us now! 

ACTH Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer ACTH Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Book your ACTH Test with Redcliffe Labs Today!

The ACTH blood test helps identify the cortisol production issues in your body. The test helps to identify potential cortisol imbalances before complications arise. It provides valuable information alongside other tests, accurately diagnosing cortisol-related conditions. If you experience any of the symptoms and issues mentioned above, talk to your doctor about whether an ACTH test is right for you. Early diagnosis and treatment help manage the conditions effectively. Taking an ACTH lab test at Redcliffe Labs can help you manage your health. Prioritizing your health is an investment in your well-being.