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Acth suppression test

(Science: investigation) a test that measures the response of the adrenal glands to acth.

in this case, dexamethasone is given to the patient and then blood cortisol levels are measured. Under normal conditions, cortisol levels should drop in response to dexamethasone.

in this test one milligram of dexamethasone is administered in the morning and then the blood is drawn for analysis the following morning.

abnormal test results can indicate cushings syndrome.