Cortisol Response to ACTH Stimulation
Measures whether the adrenal glands can mount a normal cortisol response when stimulated, the key test for adrenal insufficiency.
Consider this test if:
- Persistent fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, weight loss, or salt craving suggesting adrenal insufficiency
- A low or borderline random cortisol that needs confirmation
- Symptoms of Addison's disease or suspected adrenal gland failure
- Evaluating the adrenal response before or after long-term steroid use
- Following up an abnormal cortisol or ACTH result with a dynamic test
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Results delivered to your dashboard · Reviewed by a real clinician
- Drawn at a CLIA/CAP-accredited lab near you ·
Pre-test considerations
This is a procedure, not a simple blood draw: a synthetic ACTH injection is given, then blood is collected at baseline and at timed intervals (15, 30, and 60 minutes), so plan for time on site. Morning timing is standard. Recent corticosteroid use, including oral, inhaled, or topical steroids, can affect results, so report any steroid use beforehand. Follow your clinician's instructions on which medications to hold.
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What this test is for
This is a dynamic test, not a single reading. A standard dose of synthetic ACTH (corticotropin) is injected, and cortisol is measured at baseline and again at 15, 30, and 60 minutes to see how briskly the adrenal glands respond. Healthy adrenal glands raise cortisol sharply after ACTH; a blunted or flat response points to adrenal insufficiency, including Addison's disease, and is commonly investigated when symptoms like persistent fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, weight loss, salt craving, or unexplained low cortisol suggest the adrenal axis is underperforming. Because it tests the gland's actual capacity to respond, it is more informative than a single random cortisol, which swings with time of day and stress.
This four-sample version adds a 15-minute draw to the baseline, 30, and 60-minute points, giving a finer view of how quickly cortisol climbs. The separate three-specimen ACTH stimulation test uses baseline plus two later draws and is the simpler version when a full early-response curve is not needed.
Biomarkers tested
Includes 4 biomarkers
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Measures
- Mass concentration
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Measures
- Mass concentration
What to expect
- 1 Book instantly
Click, book, done. Choose a convenient lab location near you. Transparent, up-front pricing.
- 2 Quick lab visit
Testing to fit your busy schedule, usually 15 minutes or less. Walk-in and appointments available.
- 3 Fast, dashboard-delivered results
Your results post straight to your dashboard as soon as the lab completes them.
- 4 Expert guidance
Included with Mito membership. A clinician reviews your results and your personalized action plan follows, with clear next steps.
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Every test at our cost
Members pay our cost on every test, with lab fees passed straight through. The full receipt is itemized, never padded.
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Upload past labs and watch your trends over time. Every marker and visit lives in one longitudinal record, so all your care stays together.
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Year-round clinician support
Text anytime and get clinician-reviewed answers. When you want to go deeper, 1:1 consultations are available at affordable rates.
All for $9/month
Order any test or consult without joining. For $9/month, members unlock member prices, trend tracking, and year-round clinician guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
View all FAQsHow does pricing work?
Every test shows the member price next to the standard non-member price, so you can see what membership saves you. The member price is our cost — covering the lab and what it takes to run the service — never a profit on the test itself; Mito makes its money on the $9 membership, not on marking up your tests. Membership is $9/mo, and you still pay the lab’s order fee. Prices are itemized before you pay, with no hidden fees.
Where do I get tested?
Choose a partner lab (Quest, Labcorp, or BioReference) at checkout. If your cart spans multiple tests, we consolidate the whole order onto a single lab so you only make one visit.
Is this eligible for HSA/FSA?
Yes. This test is HSA/FSA eligible, and you can pay with your HSA/FSA card at checkout.
When will I get my results?
Your results post to your dashboard once your lab completes them, then a clinician reviews them and your full analysis and personalized action plan (with clear next steps) follow. Turnaround varies by test: specialty assays and at-home kits take longer, and each test shows its expected turnaround before you buy.
Do I need a doctor’s order?
No. Mito provides the lab order for you, so you can book and get tested without a separate doctor visit.
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