Short synacthen test

Your doctor has recommended that you take this test to help with the diagnosis and management of your condition. Please read this carefully and ask us about anything that is not clear or if you would like more information.

The test checks your body’s ability to make a natural steroid hormone or chemical signal called cortisol. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands, which are just above the kidneys, in response to instructions from the pituitary gland, which is a small gland beneath the brain.

A problem with either of these glands can result in low cortisol levels. Cortisol has many vital roles in maintaining normal healthy functioning, and is a very important part of the response to ‘stress’ of any kind, including other illnesses.

The test will take about 45 minutes in total.

The test will be carried out by an endocrine specialist nurse or a general nurse.

You can eat and drink as normal before this test. If you take steroid hormone therapy (e.g. hydrocortisone or prednisolone) please do NOT take your morning dose before the test. This will enable us to see if you still need this treatment or not.

After the test you should CONTINUE to take your hydrocortisone or prednisolone as usual until the results are available. If you bring your tablets with you, you can take them after the blood samples have all been taken.

You will be given an injection of Synacthen, a natural ‘messenger’ hormone. This is normally produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands.

We will take a sample of your blood sample to measure your cortisol level. We will then inject the Synacthen into a vein or into a muscle such as the buttock. Half an hour after this we will take another blood sample to see how your cortisol level responds to stimulation by Synacthen. After this you can go home.