Adreno Corticotrophic Horomone (ACTH), EDTA Plasma

ACTH blood tests are done along with cortisol tests, to detect, diagnose, and monitor therapy of conditions associated with the excessive or deficient production of cortisol in the body. These include: Cushing disease: Associated with excess cortisol production that is due to a benign ACTH-producing tumor in the pituitary gland Cushing syndrome: signs and symptoms associated with excess cortisol. it may be caused due to an adrenal tumor or adrenal hyperplasia, steroid medications, or an ACTH-producing ectopic tumor located outside the pituitary (lungs) Addison disease (primary adrenal insufficiency): decreased production of cortisol due to adrenal gland damage. Secondary adrenal insufficiency: decreased production of cortisol production due to pituitary dysfunction. Hypopituitarism: pituitary damage or dysfunction that results in decreased (or no) hormone production by the pituitary gland, including ACTH production Measuring both ACTH and cortisol levels can help to differentiate and diagnose the above conditions as the levels of ACTH are inversely proportional to the levels of cortisol. If abnormal levels are detected, additional tests are required to confirm the findings and determine the cause.