Private Short Synacthen Test (SST)

Potential problems with your adrenal glands can leave you feeling exhausted, and it can be difficult to know where to turn. Whether your doctor has requested you have a Short Synacthen Test, or you’re looking for ways to understand your symptoms yourself, it's understandable if that feels a little stressful, especially if you're still waiting for answers about symptoms that haven't yet been explained. You might also simply be curious about what the test involves and what to expect on the day.

The Short Synacthen Test is a test which checks how well your adrenal glands respond to a hormone that prompts them to produce cortisol. Our clinical team carries out this test to assess adrenal function as part of a wider assessment for adrenal insufficiency, including Addison's disease, and to assess adrenal function after certain treatments for other conditions.

How We Can Help

The Short Synacthen Test is a standard test that measures how your adrenal glands respond to a synthetic version of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), called Synacthen. ACTH is the hormone that stimulates your adrenal glands to produce cortisol, and this test is designed to assess how well your adrenal glands function by checking your cortisol levels before and after a small injection.

The appointment takes around an hour in total. A baseline blood sample is taken when you arrive, the Synacthen injection is given, and a further blood sample is taken 30 minutes later to see how your cortisol has responded. A final sample may also be taken at 60 minutes, depending on the protocol your clinician follows.

This test may show that your adrenal glands are responding well to ACTH when present, indicating that the problem is

Prices

Any investigations or treatment recommendations made during your consultation may involve additional costs, which will be discussed with you clearly before anything is arranged.

We're recognised by a number of major health insurers. If you intend to use private medical insurance, please contact us ahead of your appointment to confirm your cover.

Meet Our Primary Care Team

Your Short Synacthen Test is carried out by our nursing team, supported by a healthcare assistant, both experienced in performing this test and monitoring patients throughout. They're on hand to answer any questions you have before, during, and after your appointment.

Is This the Right Service for You?

This test may be requested if:

• You're being investigated for suspected primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease)
• You're being investigated for suspected secondary adrenal insufficiency
• You've been on long-term steroid (glucocorticoid) treatment and your adrenal function needs assessing
• You're recovering from Cushing's syndrome treatment and your adrenal function needs checking
• A low morning cortisol result has prompted further investigation

Everyone's situation is different, and this test is only one part of a wider assessment. 

In some cases, we may recommend a different approach. For example, if your clinician suspects adrenal crisis, we would recommend treatment rather than testing. Some people have intolerance, hypersensitivity or allergies to synthetic cortisoids, so are ineligible for this test. 

If you are pregnant, have recently had pituitary surgery or acute pituitary injury, you are experiencing another severe illness, or during adrenal crisis, we may offer alternative testing such as insulin tolerance tests following an endocrinology review.

If you're not sure whether it applies to you, our team can talk this through with you before you book.

What to Expect From an Appointment

You'll be asked to confirm your identity and medical history when you arrive, and there's time to ask any questions before the test begins.

If you go ahead, the test includes:

• An initial blood sample, taken to measure your starting cortisol level
• The Synacthen injection, usually given into a muscle or vein
• A further blood sample at 30 minutes, to see how your cortisol has responded
• A final blood sample that may be taken at 60 minutes, as part of the test protocol
• Final observations: checking your blood pressure and pulse, and how you're feeling before you head home

Throughout the test, we'll keep an eye on how you're doing, including checking for any rash, flushing, or light-headedness, so you're looked after at every stage.

Preparing for a Short Synacthen Test

If you're taking regular oral steroid medication (such as hydrocortisone or prednisolone), your clinical team will usually advise you to stop this for 24 hours before your test, as any steroids remaining in your system can interfere with your cortisol results. 

Please inform us if you’ve recently had a steroid injection.

Fasting isn't routinely required for this test, and you can drink water as normal. We'd suggest avoiding strenuous exercise immediately beforehand.

Follow-Up Steps

Once your results are ready, our team will be in touch to talk you through what they mean and what, if anything, happens next. If further investigation or specialist input is needed, we'll guide you through the options available.

Why Choose Midland Health

At our clinic, you'll receive clear information and time to ask questions.

• No GP referral required
• No waiting lists, with same-day or next-day appointments, where available
• Time to listen and answer your questions properly
• Transparent pricing, agreed with you before anything is arranged

Our Clinic

Your appointments will be held at our clinic at 78-79 Francis Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 8SP.

We are close to Five Ways train station, accessible by bus, tram, or train. If you're driving, patients can use the Broadway Plaza car park free of charge for up to 2 hours when their vehicle registration is validated at Midland Health reception.

No matter where you're coming from, we aim to make your journey to our clinic as smooth and convenient as possible so you can focus on getting the care you need.

Next Steps

If you'd like to book a Short Synacthen Test, or you'd simply like to ask a few questions first, our team is here to help.

FAQs