HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Synacthen test
The Synacthen test checks how well your adrenal glands can make the steroid hormone cortisol. Synacthen is a synthetic form of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). ACTH is naturally produced in your body to stimulate your adrenal glands to make cortisol.
The ideal time to perform this test is between 8 am and 10 am in the morning. The test is done at Hannan Ward, Grey Base Hospital and Foote Ward Buller Hospital.
Please phone to make an appointment:
- Hannan Ward, Grey Base Hospital: (03) 769-7400 ext. 2824
- Foote Ward Buller Hospital: (03) 788‑9030 ext. 8704.
Preparation
You can eat and drink normally on the morning of the test. You can also take all your normal medications except the following:
- hydrocortisone
- dexamethasone
- prednisone
- cortisone.
These medications are all steroids. Ideally you shouldn't take them for 24 hours before the test. You mustn't take them for at least eight hours before the test.
If you aren't sure if you can go without these medications, check with your doctor first.
Bring your steroid medication to your appointment. You can take your normal steroid dose straight after the test has been completed.
Procedure
The procedure is:
- a 4 ml blood sample is taken
- the Synacthen is injected into your upper arm muscle
- another 4 ml blood sample is taken 30 minutes later.
Risks
Occasionally, some people have minor reactions. These include minor pain or bruising at the injection site, nausea, vomiting and flushing. As with any medication, there's a small risk of an allergic reaction. If you've previously had a Synacthen test and had a bad reaction, please tell the doctor or nurse before the test is done.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2020.
Review key: HIHOT-213639
