Test orders a baseline cortisol plus two post-ACTH cortisols at 30 and 60 minutes. An alternative Low Dose (1 ug) ACTH Stimulation Test is also employed by some members of the Endocrinology Department. This requires saline dilution of a 250 ug dose as a 1 ug dosage form is not yet commercially available. Some argue that this dosing level is more physiologic and provides a better indication of adrenal reserve. For this protocol, a 30-minute specimen is typically obtained following injection. A normal response with this protocol is any cortisol >= 18 ug/dL.
ACTH (Cosyntrophin) One-Hour Stimulation Test