ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS 3: Booking, Price, and Results
About ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS 3: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | ACTH Stim Test for DHEAS, Cosyntropin Stimulation Test for DHEA-Sulphate, Synacthen Test for DHEAS |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood); 3 samples collected at baseline, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes after injection |
| Fasting Required | Not mandatory; you may be asked to avoid food for 6 hours before the test |
| Report Time | 4 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; commonly ordered for women with excess hair growth and children with early puberty |
| Price | Starting at ₹5,500 |
What is an ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS 3?
The ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS 3 measures how well your adrenal glands (small glands that sit above your kidneys) respond to a hormone signal. A synthetic version of ACTH, a hormone that tells your adrenal glands to produce other hormones, is injected, and blood samples are drawn at set time points. The test measures DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate), a hormone made by the adrenal glands that plays a role in developing sexual characteristics. It is also called the Cosyntropin Stimulation Test for DHEA-Sulphate or the Synacthen Test for DHEAS.
What Does an ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS 3 Measure?
This test tracks how DHEAS levels change in response to ACTH stimulation. Three blood samples are taken to capture the full picture of the adrenal response.
The test assesses the following:
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Baseline DHEAS Level | Amount of DHEAS in the blood before the cosyntropin injection, serving as a starting reference point |
| DHEAS at 30 Minutes | Second measurement taken 30 minutes post-injection, tracking the early response of the adrenal glands |
| DHEAS at 60 Minutes | Third measurement taken 60 minutes post-injection, capturing the peak or sustained adrenal response |
| Adrenal Gland Responsiveness | Overall assessment of whether the adrenal glands are functioning correctly under stimulation, derived by comparing all three values |
Why is an ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS 3 Done?
Doctors order this test to assess adrenal gland function, particularly DHEAS production. Below are the most common reasons.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several symptoms can prompt a doctor to request the ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS 3. These include:
- Unexplained fatigue or persistent muscle weakness
- Excessive hair growth in women (hirsutism) or acne that does not respond to usual treatment
- Early puberty in children
- Unexplained weight loss
- Darkening of the skin
- Low blood pressure without a clear cause
- Irregular menstrual cycles in women
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test supports the diagnosis of several adrenal and hormonal conditions. These include:
- Adrenal insufficiency (where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones), including Addison's disease
- Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic condition affecting hormone production
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with signs of excess adrenal androgen production
- Androgen-secreting adrenal tumours or adrenal cancer
- Hypopituitarism (reduced hormone output from the pituitary gland, which controls the adrenal glands)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward, but a few steps will help ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
Fasting is not specifically required for this test. However, your doctor may ask you to avoid eating for 6 hours before the appointment. Follow your doctor's specific instructions on this point.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps before your appointment can make the process smoother and help produce reliable results. Consider the following:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. Oestrogens, spironolactone, cortisone, and hydrocortisone can interfere with results.
- Wear clothing with sleeves that roll up easily, since blood will be drawn from your arm.
- Stay calm before and during the test; stress-related hormone changes can affect readings.
- Drink water normally to stay hydrated, unless told otherwise.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS involves administration of synthetic ACTH followed by timed blood sample collection to assess adrenal gland response; hence is done under a doctor's supervision. This test involves multiple blood draws over about one hour. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist collects the first (baseline) blood sample before ACTH administration.
- Cosyntropin (synthetic ACTH) 250 mcg is administered intravenously or intramuscularly as per standard protocol.
- A second blood sample is collected 30 minutes after cosyntropin administration.
- A third blood sample is collected 60 minutes after cosyntropin administration.
- Each specimen is appropriately labelled with the exact collection time (Baseline, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes).
- Blood samples are allowed to clot, and serum is separated as per laboratory protocol.
- All three serum samples are stored in refrigeration and dispatched to the laboratory for analysis using the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence your DHEAS levels and the reliability of your results. Be aware of the following:
- Current medications, particularly steroid-based drugs or hormonal therapies
- High levels of physical or emotional stress around the time of the test
- Improper labelling or timing of the blood samples
- Underlying illnesses or infections at the time of testing
- Age, since DHEAS levels naturally change throughout life
Understanding Your ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS 3 Results
Your doctor will compare all three samples to assess how your adrenal glands responded to stimulation. The table below shows general DHEAS reference ranges by age group.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| DHEAS (Ages 18 to 19 years) | 145 to 395 | µg/dL |
| DHEAS (Ages 20 to 29 years) | 65 to 380 | µg/dL |
| DHEAS (Ages 30 to 39 years) | 45 to 270 | µg/dL |
| DHEAS (Ages 40 to 49 years) | 32 to 240 | µg/dL |
| DHEAS (Ages 50 to 59 years) | 26 to 200 | µg/dL |
| DHEAS (Ages 60 to 69 years) | 13 to 130 | µg/dL |
| Post-stimulation DHEAS | Appropriate increase from baseline | µg/dL |
An adequate rise in DHEAS after cosyntropin injection generally indicates normal adrenal function. If levels are very high (600 µg/dL or above), this may suggest an androgen-secreting adrenal tumour or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Very low or unchanged levels after stimulation may indicate adrenal insufficiency or conditions such as Addison's disease or hypopituitarism.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results are interpreted. Your doctor will account for these when reviewing your report.
- During pregnancy, natural hormonal changes can alter DHEAS levels, so results require careful interpretation in this context.
- DHEAS levels change significantly with age; levels peak around the age of 20 and gradually decline over the following decades, so age-specific ranges must be applied.
- Long-term or chronic stress can disrupt adrenal function and may lead to lower DHEAS levels over time.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While test results should always be discussed with your doctor, certain general wellness habits support adrenal health:
- Manage stress with regular sleep, light exercise, and relaxation practices such as deep breathing or yoga.
- Follow a balanced diet that includes a variety of vegetables, whole grains, and foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Limit excessive caffeine and alcohol, both of which can affect adrenal hormone production over time.
Lupin Diagnostics ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS 3 Price and Home Collection
The ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS 3 is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹5,500. This test requires a visit to a hospital or Lupin Diagnostics centre for sample collection, as it involves administration of cosyntropin (synthetic ACTH) followed by multiple timed blood sample collections over approximately one hour to assess the adrenal gland response. Home sample collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 5500 |
| CHENNAI | 5500 |
| HYDERABAD | 5500 |
| KOLKATA | 5500 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 5500 |
| PUNE | 5500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS 3 online at Lupin Diagnostics is simple:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Schedule your visit to a hospital or designated Lupin Diagnostics collection centre, as this test requires administration of cosyntropin and multiple timed blood sample collections.
- Complete the test under medical supervision at the scheduled location.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test checks how well your adrenal glands respond to a hormone signal by measuring DHEAS levels in the blood before and after an injection of synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin). Three blood samples are collected at set time intervals to track the adrenal gland's response accurately. It helps doctors identify conditions related to abnormal adrenal hormone production.
The three samples capture DHEAS levels at different stages: before the cosyntropin injection (baseline), at 30 minutes, and at 60 minutes after. Comparing these readings shows whether the adrenal glands respond normally, too little, or too much to ACTH stimulation. A single sample would not provide this complete picture.
Fasting is not strictly required. However, your doctor may ask you to avoid eating for up to 6 hours before the test. Always follow the specific instructions given by your doctor or the diagnostic centre at the time of booking.
Yes, certain medications can interfere with DHEAS levels. These include oestrogens, cortisone, hydrocortisone, and spironolactone. Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and hormonal therapies you are taking before the test so they can advise accordingly.
This test can help identify adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with adrenal involvement, androgen-secreting adrenal tumours, and conditions affecting the pituitary gland. It is also used to evaluate unexplained virilisation (development of male physical features in women) or early puberty in children.
The risks are minimal. Because the ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS 3 procedure involves standard blood draws, you may experience slight discomfort, mild bruising, or temporary soreness at the needle site. These effects usually resolve quickly without any treatment.
Your results are typically available within 4 days of sample collection at Lupin Diagnostics. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp. If you have questions about your results, consult your doctor for a proper interpretation.
ACTH Stimulation Test for DHEAS 3: Booking, Price, and Results
