Short Synacthen®Test (SST)

What is the test for?

This test is usually carried out to check a person’s ability to make the body’s natural steroid cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands (two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys).

Who will do the test?

The test is carried out on the Children’s Day Care Unit by a trained nurse.

Do I need to do anything before the test?

Your child can eat and drink normally before the test. However:

• If they are taking hydrocortisone, please DO NOT TAKE the dose on the morning of the test.
• If they are taking prednisolone, please DO NOT TAKE this for the 24 hours before the test.
• Your child should restart their treatment as usual, after the test.

What happens during the test?

• On arrival at the Day Care Unit, local anaesthetic (magic) cream will be applied to the hands and inner elbows as we will need to insert a cannula (a very fine plastic tube that sits in the vein) to allow us to take several samples of blood.
• When the cannula has been placed, a blood sample will be taken.
• An injection of a hormone (Synacthen®) is then given through the cannula to stimulate the adrenal glands.
• Following this, two further blood samples are taken from the cannula.
• The whole test should be over in 2 – 3 hours and you will be able to go home, after the cannula has been removed.

Are there any side-effects?

Your child should not feel any side-effects from the test.

When will I get the results of the test?

The results of the test will be discussed with you by the doctor, either by letter or in clinic. Please do not contact the secretary or Day Care Unit for the results as they are not allowed to give out this information.

All urgent results will be communicated to you as soon as possible.

Contact details