Iv got my acth test in a couple of weeks and wanted to know if it is dangerous if you produce high cotrisol naturally on that day. My 24 hour urine test was 34 range 10-175,so whilst my results were on the low side they were still within range.
My other concern us that they inject 250ml of the drug and i have read that 150ml has been recommended.
Thanks
Hi I have never heard of it being a risk in this way. There are minor side effects which is why done in hospital.Sorry I cannot be more help. I would say good that a doctor even thought of it!
I hope it goes well.
Best wishes,
Jackie
Make sure they do the test early in the morning, I had to wait around for a doctor till 1 pm and of course the test was negative!! Doctors really do not know the difference between adrenal FATIGUE and adrenal FAILURE!!
Hi Yorkshirgirl44,
Of course it can make a difference to your stress levels. Being in a hospital, knowing you're going to have a cannula put in does stress you. The nurse doing the test said to keep relaxed as it messes up the test. There was an old frail lady in with me, 4 people attempted to get a cannula in and of course she was getting distressed. I had to watch this knowing full well I have the same problems. To avoid this I asked for it to be put in my arm where I know my blood can be easily drawn. By this time it was about 10.30 am which to my mind invalidates the test. I did have a reaction of stomach cramps, nausea and feeling faint. My poor frail lady next to me felt nothing!
I do think this test is largely a farce, unless you can keep really calm in hospital your starting levels of cortisol are going to be higher than normal. I had the Adrenal Stress Test, my levels were really abnormally low until 4pm. In the ACTH test they were 405.
If you think this test will diagnose adrenal fatigue forget it. They are only interested if your levels of cortisol increase after the injection, not that you have low cortisol to begin with.
The dr agreed to do the test because i thought it was my adrenals..it is but not addisons i dont think. Im not worried about drawing the blood just the injection which will be in my buttock..I feel foolish for having this fear and will try and stay calm.. we will see
Hi yorkshiregirl44, I had a cannula in for the injection, and blood samples, if you don't have problems with getting one in the back of your hand that's what is done. Blood needs to be taken 3 times from this, and the injection is simply put into the cannula too.
Who told you the injection goes into your buttock? You'll just have one needle inserted for the whole procedure( the cannula) and the nurse will inject into this and take 3 blood samples.
I rang the hospital doing the test and the nurse told me thats how i have the test done with an injection in my buttock
That's awful! Are they going to take blood from your arm 3 times too? No wonder you're worried!
This really isn't my experience of the test. I really hope the person who told you this has got it completely wrong!
ACTH test done but I want these other tests done
Within range baseline cortisol but failed Acth testing! What to do? 
Why does Endo say ACTH test is not relevant wouldn't a low result indicate secondary Addisons?
Cortisol and ACTH low? I'm so confused now.
