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Test ID: ACTHI    
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Immunostain, Technical Component Only

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Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Aids in the classification of pituitary adenomas and neoplasms with ectopic hormone production

Testing Algorithm Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.

For the initial technical component only immunohistochemical (IHC) stain performed, the appropriate bill-only test ID will be reflexed and charged (IHTOI). For each additional technical component only IHC stain performed, an additional bill-only test ID will be reflexed and charged (IHTOA).

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a hormone produced and secreted by corticotrophs in the adenohypophysis (anterior lobe) of the pituitary gland. Normal pituitary exhibits positive staining in a large population of cells (approximately 15% to 20%). Immunohistochemical detection of ACTH may be useful in the classification of pituitary adenomas.

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

The positive and negative controls are verified as showing appropriate immunoreactivity. If a control tissue is not included on the slide, a scanned image of the relevant quality control tissue is available upon request. Contact 855-516-8404.

 

Interpretation of this test should be performed in the context of the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic tests by a qualified pathologist.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Age of a cut paraffin section can affect immunoreactivity. Stability thresholds vary widely among published literature and are antigen-dependent. Best practice is for paraffin sections to be cut fresh.

Clinical Reference Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Hamid Z, Mrak RE, Ijaz MT, Faas FH: Sensitivity and Specificity of Immunohistochemistry in Pituitary Adenomas. The Endocrinologist 2009;19(1):38-43

2. Osamura RY, Kajiva H, Takei M, et al: Pathology of the human pituitary adenomas. Histochem Cell Biol 2008;130(3):495-507

3. Scheithauer BW, Jaap AJ, Horvath E, et al: Clinically Silent Corticotroph Tumors of the Pituitary Gland. Neurosurgery 2000;47(3):723-730