Synacthen Stimulation Test
The Synacthen Stimulation Test evaluates how well the adrenal glands produce cortisol. It is a key test for diagnosing adrenal insufficiency and related hormonal disorders.
Turnaround time
1 business day
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Synacthen Stimulation Test
The Synacthen Stimulation Test is a specialist dynamic endocrine test used to assess how the adrenal glands respond to stimulation and produce Cortisol.
Synacthen is a synthetic form of ACTH-related stimulation used to assess adrenal Cortisol reserve.
Unlike a routine Cortisol blood test, which measures the hormone at one point in time, a stimulation test examines the Cortisol response after Synacthen has been administered.
At London Blood Tests, this is a specialist appointment-only test performed at Wimpole Street, Monday to Friday.
The patient must attend fasting.
A doctor administers the Synacthen injection and the required timed blood sample is taken approximately 30 minutes afterwards according to the arranged protocol.
Because this test involves a prescribed injection, clinical supervision and timed blood collection, it can only be performed through the designated Wimpole Street appointment pathway. The Synacthen Stimulation Test costs £345.
What Does the Synacthen Stimulation Test Check?
The Synacthen Stimulation Test assesses the adrenal Cortisol response after controlled stimulation. This test measures 1 specialist dynamic endocrine investigation.
Synacthen Stimulation Test / Cortisol Response
Assesses the adrenal glands' ability to produce Cortisol after doctor-administered Synacthen and timed blood collection.
Who May Benefit From the Synacthen Stimulation Test?
The Synacthen Stimulation Test may be appropriate when a single resting Cortisol result does not provide enough information about adrenal function.
People with a low or borderline Cortisol result - Dynamic testing can provide additional information about adrenal reserve.
People undergoing investigation of possible adrenal insufficiency - Synacthen testing is commonly used within specialist endocrine assessment.
People referred by an endocrinologist or doctor - This is a clinician-led dynamic test rather than a routine wellness screen.
People with previous abnormal adrenal or pituitary investigations - The test may form part of a wider endocrine work-up.
People requiring reassessment after certain steroid treatments - Adrenal suppression may sometimes require specialist investigation.
How to Prepare
Medication can materially affect adrenal testing.
Do not independently stop corticosteroids or other prescribed medicines before the appointment.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Synacthen Stimulation Test
The Synacthen Stimulation Test must be arranged in advance because it requires doctor supervision and timed blood collection.
Choose the Synacthen Stimulation Test :: Contact London Blood Tests to request the specialist Synacthen appointment.
Select your collection :: Appointment only at Wimpole Street, Monday–Friday, with doctor-administered Synacthen. Any applicable collection or procedure charges are confirmed when booking.
Attend your appointment :: Arrive fasting and follow the preparation instructions provided.
Laboratory analysis :: A doctor administers Synacthen and the required timed blood specimen is collected for Cortisol assessment.
Receive your results securely :: Your authorised laboratory result is returned securely.
How to Book Your Synacthen Stimulation Test
The Synacthen Stimulation Test must be arranged in advance because it requires doctor supervision and timed blood collection.
Choose the Synacthen Stimulation Test
Contact London Blood Tests to request the specialist Synacthen appointment.
Select your collection
Appointment only at Wimpole Street, Monday–Friday, with doctor-administered Synacthen. Any applicable collection or procedure charges are confirmed when booking.
Attend your appointment
Arrive fasting and follow the preparation instructions provided.
Laboratory analysis
A doctor administers Synacthen and the required timed blood specimen is collected for Cortisol assessment.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised laboratory result is returned securely.
When Will I Receive My Results?
Results are generally expected within approximately 1 day.
Turnaround begins after the required timed specimen has entered laboratory processing.
The appointment itself takes longer than a standard blood draw because administration of Synacthen and timed collection are required.
Understanding Your Results
The result evaluates the Cortisol response following Synacthen stimulation.
Interpretation depends on the laboratory method, timing of the sample, medication history and clinical reason for testing.
An adequate response can provide reassuring information about adrenal reserve.
An inadequate or borderline response may require endocrinology review or additional investigation.
The result should not be interpreted in isolation from previous Cortisol values and relevant clinical history.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides access to this specialist dynamic endocrine test through a structured clinical pathway.
Doctor-administered Synacthen - The injection is administered by a doctor.
Timed blood collection - Sampling is coordinated according to the required stimulation protocol.
Specialist Wimpole Street pathway - The test is performed at the designated Wimpole Street location.
Monday to Friday appointments - Appropriate clinical and laboratory support is arranged during the working week.
Clear fasting preparation - Patients receive preparation instructions before attendance.
Specialist laboratory analysis - The timed specimen follows the appropriate endocrine pathway.
Private Synacthen Stimulation Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private Synacthen Stimulation Testing at Wimpole Street.
The test is available Monday to Friday by prior appointment only.
Patients must attend fasting.
A doctor administers Synacthen and the required blood sample is collected approximately 30 minutes afterwards according to the arranged protocol.
Results are generally expected within approximately one day.