Pregnenolone, Pre- and Post-ACTH Stimulation
Also known as: Pregnenolone (Two Specimens)
Use
This test may involve significant risk and should be performed only by qualified personnel who are familiar with the test and who have taken adequate precautions to protect the safety of the patient. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in these recommendations, but clinicians must use their judgment and refer to specific pharmaceutical resources to determine appropriate drug dosages for their patients.
Special Instructions
The test should be conducted by qualified personnel familiar with the procedure and safety precautions. Draw blood for baseline pregnenolone and inject cosyntropin: 15 μg/kg in neonates, 125 μg in children ≤2 years, and 250 μg in older children and adults. Collect a stimulated sample 60 minutes post-injection. Refer to the Endocrine Appendix for expected steroid values. For unstimulated tests, order Pregnenolone, Mass Spectrometry (Endocrine Sciences) [140707].
Limitations
The test may not accurately reflect adrenal function in the presence of interfering substances or conditions affecting pregnenolone levels. Repeat testing is not possible with the minimum volume. Accuracy of results is dependent on proper collection and handling of specimens. Results outside the expected ranges should be correlated with clinical findings and other diagnostic procedures.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2837-3
- 46100-4
Result Turnaround Time
7-9 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL (each specimen)
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
Draw two samples: one baseline and one stimulated 60 minutes later. If not using a gel-barrier, transfer separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube. Label each tube with the patient's name, collection time, and date. Submit specimens simultaneously on the same test request form.
Storage Instructions
Freeze.
Causes for Rejection
Nonserum or non-EDTA/heparin plasma specimen.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 1 day |
| Frozen | 2 years |