Venepuncture causes rapid rise in plasma ACTH
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood
Published on: April 28, 2016
K Meeran1, A Hattersley, G Mould
1Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London.
Abstract:
Serum cortisol and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) levels were measured on nine sleeping volunteers at midnight, before and after the stress of being woken and exposed to a single standard venepuncture. In six volunteers, plasma ACTH levels were raised within 90 seconds of venepuncture, while it remained undetectable in the other three. Cortisol levels began to rise within 4 minutes. ACTH and cortisol levels may be greatly altered by the stress of venesection. Plasma ACTH measured after a difficult venesection in a subject with poor venous access may be misleading.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Vascular Spasm
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

