What is it used for?
An ACTH test is often done along with a cortisol test to diagnose disorders of the pituitary or adrenal glands. These include:
Cushing's syndrome, a disorder in which the adrenal gland makes too much cortisol. It may be caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland or the use of steroid medicines. Steroids are used to treat inflammation, but can have side effects that effect cortisol levels.
Cushing's disease, a form of Cushing's syndrome. In this disorder, the pituitary gland makes too much ACTH. It is usually caused by a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland.
Addison disease, a condition in which the adrenal gland doesn't make enough cortisol.
Hypopituitarism, a disorder in which the pituitary gland does not make enough of some or all of its hormones.
