Speciality Services
The Synacthen testing does not need any special preparation. The child does not need to be fasting before the test. Your pediatric endocrinologist may ask to withhold a dose of any steroid medication the child may be taking prior to the test.
This test requires about 2 hours to be completed. The test is done under supervision of a pediatric endocrinologist in a clinic/hospital.
A cannula will be put in the child’s vein for drawing blood samples. Synacthen will be injected at a dose appropriate for the child depending upon his weight following which serial samples of cortisol will be drawn after 30 mins and 60 mins.
The child will be discharged after the last blood sample.
Your child can eat regular foods and go back to their normal activities. He need not miss any school for the testing.
It takes 1 week for the test results to come back. You should get in touch with your child’s doctor with the results, who will explain the plan for your child’s medical care based on the results of the test.