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Test ID: ACTH    
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Plasma

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

The IMMULITE 2000 adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a solid-phase, sequential immunoassay. The patient sample is incubated with a bead coated with a mouse monoclonal antibody to ACTH. A second (rabbit) antibody to ACTH, which has been conjugated to alkaline phosphatase is then added. The sample forms an antibody-sandwich complex attached to the bead. After washing, substrate is added. The substrate undergoes hydrolysis in the presence of alkaline phosphatase to yield an unstable intermediate that results in the sustained emission of light. The photon output is directly proportional to the concentration of ACTH in the sample.(Package insert: IMMULITE 2000 ACTH PIL2KAC-15, Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics, 2008-07-29)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday; 5 a.m.-12 a.m., Saturday; 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

Same day/1 day

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

3 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

14 days

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester