Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
ACTH
Test Code (Numeric Code)
3610
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
Heparin or plain tubes are unsuitable.
Transport
Collect a FULL EDTA tube and send to the laboratory without delay. If arrival at LabPLUS cannot be guaranteed within this time, the sample should be centrifuged and the EDTA plasma separated and frozen before transport.
Separating
An EDTA sample can be transported at room temperature but must be separated within 6 hours of collection. If arrival at LabPLUS cannot be guaranteed within this time, the sample should be centrifuged and the EDTA plasma separated and frozen before transport.
Laboratory
LabPLUS Endocrinology
Sample Stability
A FULL EDTA tube must be sent to the laboratory without delay at room temperature but must be separated within 6 hours of collection. If arrival at LabPLUS cannot be guaranteed within this time, the sample should be centrifuged and the EDTA plasma separated and frozen before transport.
Synonyms
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone, corticotropin, ACTH
Turnaround Time
1 week
Performed Weekly
Specimen Type
- Plasma
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- EDTA (Lavender Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
4
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- EDTA (Microtainer)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Pre-testing Requirements
While it is preferable to have a separate EDTA tube for ACTH, we are still able to take an aliquot from an EDTA tube that has been collected for other tests.
Additional Specimen Information
Specimen Services:
1. ACTH can be shared with Haematology, provided that the EDTA sample received is NOT on ice.
2. If both ACTH and FBC are requested and only 1 EDTA sample is received but NOT on ICE:
• Register for both ACTH and FBC.
• Enter 'EA' in the suffix field.
• Place labelled sample into the 8100 grey rack.
3. If both ACTH and FBC are requested and only 1 EDTA sample is received ON ICE:
• Register for ACTH, FBC and QHAE (Query Correct Specimen for the FBC).
• Enter 'EI' and 'US' in the suffix field.
• Place labelled sample (with EI suffix) into the 8100 grey rack,
• Specimen sent on ice is NOT suitable for FBC.
Automation:
• If EA and EZ combination is registered, the EA will go to OBS for EZ to be made.
• If EI is registered, the sample will go straight to the ACU and then AQM.
• Place aliquot in Endo rack in freezer 36.
The specimen can be sent to the laboratory at room temperature but must be separated and frozen within 6 hours of collection.
Thawed and refrozen samples will not be assayed.
On arrival at the laboratory, the sample should be centrifuged at 4 degrees Celsius and the plasma frozen.
Last updated: 28/08/2026