Synacthen Testing

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Testing Laboratory

Waitematā | Northshore Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MCOR

Test Code (Numeric Code)

0377

Laboratory Handling

Registration

Register the following codes depending on the collection type, if the collection time is specified. Pre Synacthen: BSYN 30 mins post Synacthen: HSYN 1 hr post Synacthen: PSYN Otherwise register as MCOR

Sample Stability

24 hours

Synonyms

Pre Synacthen
Post Synacthen

Turnaround Time

2 hours

Specimen Type

  • Plasma
  • Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
Preferred if Waitākere
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Acceptable
  • Plain (Red Top)
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
  • Plain (Red Top)
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.4

Pre-testing Requirements

Collection time is essential

Additional Specimen Information

Outpatient only:

NSH: No appointment is necessary. Clinician to phone ext 2599 to liaise with phlebotomy staff, chart Synacthen, collect from OP fridge, take patient to phlebotomy rooms. Phlebotomist to take Pre sample bloods. Clinician to administer Synacthen (IM or IV), patient waits in Phleb clinic, OP nurse on-call. Phlebotomist to take Post sample bloods after 60 mins (30 min sample not required).

WTH: Referral to Medical Day Stay (appts W/Th/Fr). Take yellow referral, spare stickies and drug chart with Synacthen charted to ambulatory day stay and they will either do it straight away or organise. Waitakere prefers SST tube.

Sample 1 (If basal level is required) 4 mL blood. Heparin pref (or SST or Plain). Request Pre Synacthen on form and state collection time. Label specimen with collection time and Pre Synacthen. Then give 250 µg Synacthen IV or IM.

Sample 2 (1 hour after administration) 4 mL blood. Heparin pref (or SST or Plain). Request Post Synacthen on form and state time interval post dose. Label specimen with collection time and Post Synacthen. Preferably send both samples together to the laboratory.

Last updated: 19/12/2025