Acth Stimulation Test Preparation

[green]

Does anyone know whether there are two different protocols for the ACTH stimulation test? I am getting conflicting information on the web.

UCSF website says:

You may need to limit activities and eat a high-carbohydrate diet 12-24 hours before the test. You may be asked to fast for 6 hours before the test.

http://www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/adam/data/003696.html

Some website called "MDAdvice.com" says:

Activity--Limit your physical activity for 10 to 12 hours before the test.

Diet--Don't eat any food or drink any liquid for at least 12 hours before the test. You may be put on a low-carbohydrate diet for 2 days before the test. Alcohol (ethanol, whiskey, wine or beer) can also affect test results.

http://www.mdadvice.com/library/test/medtest289.html

NIH.gov says "there is no preparation for this test."

http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/procdiag/acth.pdf

Also: does florinef effect the test?

Thanks.

[Birdlady]

It should be done early morning like 8AM, and yes I would be fasting for it. As far as carb loading, I don't quite understand that one to be honest. You should insist on getting the low dose stim rather than the standard. It is more sensitive. Here's a study that talks about it. http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/83/8/2726

I'm not sure if florinef would affect the results. Make sure the doc knows you are on it though.

I would insist on testing a baseline ACTH level from you too (before injection obviously). That way if results are borderline it helps to make a diagnosis. If you don't mind, could you post your results when you get them even if they are "normal"? Good luck!

[green]

It should be done early morning like 8AM, and yes I would be fasting for it. As far as carb loading, I don't quite understand that one to be honest. You should insist on getting the low dose stim rather than the standard. It is more sensitive. Here's a study that talks about it. http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/83/8/2726

I'm not sure if florinef would affect the results. Make sure the doc knows you are on it though.

I would insist on testing a baseline ACTH level from you too (before injection obviously). That way if results are borderline it helps to make a diagnosis. If you don't mind, could you post your results when you get them even if they are "normal"? Good luck!

Thanks. I am going to have the test on Friday, so I will let you know the results.