CPT® Code 80400

An ACTH stimulation panel is a diagnostic test designed to evaluate the function of the adrenal glands, which are critical components of the endocrine system located above each kidney. This panel specifically assesses adrenal insufficiency, which can be categorized as either primary or secondary. Primary adrenal insufficiency may arise from conditions such as autoimmune adrenalitis, Addison's disease, congenital abnormalities, or tumors affecting the adrenal glands. In contrast, secondary adrenal insufficiency is often linked to dysfunctions of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which regulate hormone production. The test involves measuring cortisol levels, a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, which plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including metabolism and stress response. The ACTH stimulation test is optimally conducted in the morning, between 8 and 9 a.m., after the patient has consumed a fat-free meal to ensure accurate baseline measurements. During the procedure, a blood sample is collected through venipuncture to determine the baseline cortisol level. Following this, cosyntropin (Cortosyn) is administered intravenously at a dose of 0.25 mg, and the patient is allowed to rest undisturbed for a period of 30 to 60 minutes. A second blood sample is then obtained through another venipuncture to measure the cortisol level after the stimulation. The serum or plasma samples are analyzed using a quantitative chemiluminescent immunoassay, providing critical information regarding adrenal gland function and potential insufficiency.