Normal Values
Values 9 to 52 pg/ml are normal.

Note: pg/ml = picograms per milliliter

What abnormal results mean
Greater-than-normal levels of ACTH may be from:

Addison's disease (because of deficient production by the adrenal gland)
adrenoleukodystrophy (very rare)
Cushing's disease
ectopic tumor producing ACTH
Nelson's syndrome (very rare)
Lower-than-normal levels of ACTH may be from:
Cushing syndrome related to adrenal tumor
exogenous Cushing's syndrome
pituitary insufficiency
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
hypopituitarism
multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) I

Special considerations
Special handling of the blood sample is required.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.