Test Protocol Index
Test Protocol 10

FELINE ACTH STIMULATION TEST
The ACTH Stimulation Test is recommended for the confirmation of hyperadrenocorticism in cats, particularly in cases of insulin resistant diabetes mellitus. See also the Combined Dexamethasone, ACTH Stimulation Test, Test Protocol 17

PROTOCOL

  1. Take 2ml of clotted or heparinised blood.
  2. Inject 0.125mg Synacthen i/v.
  3. Take two further samples of 2ml clotted or heparinised blood at 60 to 90 min post Synacthen injection.
  4. If possible, separate the serum or plasma before dispatch to the laboratory, labelling the tubes carefully "pre" and "post".
INTERPRETATION

In normal cats, an increase in cortisol levels up to 600 nmol/l is expected. Increases greater than this are consistent with hyperadrenocorticism. 

ACTH (SYNACTHEN) SUPPLY

Please enquire.
 
Test Code Test Name and Description Sample
ACTF ACTH Stimulation Test (Feline) 3 x serum/heparin plasma.

REFERENCE

Sparkes, A.J., Adams, D.T., Douthwaite, J.A. and Gruffydd-Jones, T.J. (1990). Assessment of adrenal function in cats: response to intravenous synthetic ACTH. J.S.A.P. 31 p 2 - 5.

Version 2, 21.05.03
 
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