Cortisol Assay, 2 Samples: PRE (Baseline) and POST ACTH Stimulation
Specimen
PRE: 0.5 mL serum in red top, white top, or serum separator tube for baseline sample (labeled PRE); POST: 0.5 mL serum in red top, white top, or serum separator tube for post sample (labeled POST)
Test Description
This is an ACTH stimulation test that requires two samples: one PRE, one POST. Results include baseline cortisol and one POST-ACTH cortisol.
For trilostane monitoring, ACTH testing should start 4-6 hours after the morning dose of trilostane. The timing of the test is the same regardless of whether the patient is on SID (morning dose) or BID (morning and evening) and is always 4-6 hours after medication. Trilostane MUST be administered with food, even on the morning that the ACTH stimulation test is going to be performed. Although we generally recommend an 8-12 hour fast before blood draw (to avoid gross lipemia and hemolysis) this is NOT recommended when monitoring trilostane therapy.
The timing of the ACTH stimulation test does not matter in pets being treated with lysodren (aka mitotane).