CLINICAL-VALUE OF DIFFERENT METHODS IN AC TH DETERMINATION

We determined 293 plasma-ACTH levels out of 49 patients. In 12 patient s with various pituitary diseases 168 samples were collected during a standardized pituitary stimulation test. For this purpose we used die following kits: the DYNOtest(R) ACTH and LUMI-test(R) ACTH and Allegro (R) HS-ACTH test. Additionally, morning ACTH levels were analyzed from 49 patients using Allegro(R) HS ACTH test and DYNOtest(R) ACTH. Regar ding ACTH concentrations during pituitary stimulation the clinical use fulness of the 3 named tests were comparable. Pair differences of morn ing ACTH levels were not statistically significant. In a setting of a wide range of ACTH levels all 3 trials proved appropriate for making a diagnosis. Praticability of all 3 tests was similar. For all 3 method s incubation can be done. overnight which saves time. Reagents can be reused when frozen immediately after reconstitution.