Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) Test

Results

An adrenocorticotropic hormone test measures the level of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the blood.

Results of an ACTH test are usually available in 4 to 6 days.

Normal

Normal values vary widely from lab to lab.

Normal ACTH levels

6 a.m. to 8 a.m.	Less than 80 pg/mL or less than 18 pmol/L
6 p.m. to 11 p.m.	Less than 50 pg/mL or less than 11 pmol/L

High values

High levels of ACTH may be caused by:

• Emotional or physical stress (such as recent surgery or severe pain).
• Diseases such as Addison's disease, Cushing's disease, or a tumor in the adrenal glands or the pituitary gland.

Low values

Low levels of ACTH may be caused by:

• Damage to the pituitary gland from surgery, radiation, stroke, head injury, or a tumor.
• An increased amount of cortisol from a tumor in the adrenal glands (Cushing's syndrome).

ACTH and cortisol levels in specific conditions

Condition	ACTH	Cortisol
Cushing's disease	High	High
Adrenal tumor (Cushing's syndrome)	Low	High
ACTH made outside the pituitary gland	High	High
Addison's disease	High	Low
Hypopituitarism	Low	Low

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: August 3, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology & Metabolism
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