LabwiseACTHpg/mL
ACTH is the pituitary signal that tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol. It is read together with cortisol.
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What ACTH measures
ACTH is the pituitary signal that tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol. It is read together with cortisol.
If your ACTH is low
ACTH below the range is commonly associated with corticosteroid medication or the adrenal glands making cortisol on their own.
Commonly associated with
- Corticosteroid medication
- Adrenal source of cortisol
- Pituitary function
If your ACTH is high
ACTH above the range is commonly associated with the adrenal glands making too little cortisol, stress, or a pituitary source; it is always read with a cortisol drawn at the same time.
Commonly associated with
- Low cortisol from the adrenal glands
- Physical stress
- Pituitary source
- Afternoon versus morning draw
Typical reference range
| Group | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Adults | 7.2 – 63.3 pg/mL |
Typical adult values used by many US labs. Your own report prints the range your lab validated for its method, and that range is the one that counts. Labwise always uses the printed range first.
If it is within range
Your ACTH is within the range printed by your lab.
Also listed as
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, ACTH, Plasma, Corticotropin
Related tests
This page is general information about what a laboratory test measures and what results outside a reference range are commonly associated with. It is not medical advice, does not diagnose any condition and does not replace your clinician. Discuss your results with your healthcare provider.