Short synacthen test

Short Synacthen test

This test is usually used for a quick assessment of the Adrenal reserve. It can be performed at any time of the day, though many authorities prefer to start it at 09:00am in the morning. Baseline blood tests are done to check Cortisol level. This is followed by an injection of 250mcg(0.25mg) of Synacthen( Cosyntropin), synthetic ACTH1-24. Repeat blood tests are done at 30 minutes and sometimes at 60 minutes for checking Cortisol levels. If the 30 minute Cortisol levels go above 550nmol/l then this essentially excludes the diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency.