Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) Test

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Taking medicine, such as corticosteroids and medicines that act like cortisol or cause the release of cortisol, including amphetamines, lithium carbonate, and insulin.
• Being drunk (intoxicated).
• Being pregnant or having your period.
• Having a severe injury.
• Physical or emotional stress.
• Having a medical test that uses a radioactive tracer within 1 week before an ACTH test.

There are other medicines that may affect the test results, so talk with your doctor about any medicines you are taking.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: June 26, 2008
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology & Metabolism
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