Addison’s Disease Diagnosis

Addison’s Disease Diagnosis

Laboratory tests are done to confirm the diagnosis. 

Frequent blood tests would show the low blood sodium or increased blood potassium. 

The ACTH hormone is injected to increase the person’s blood level of cortisol and aldosterone. 

But a person having the Addison disease will not be able to raise the hormones as the blood level is still low.

If a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency is done, x rays of the abdomen are taken to check for calcium deposits which could lead to indication of TB. 

A TB skin test also can be taken. Another way to diagnose is to do the CRH stimulation test to determine the cause of adrenal insufficiency. CRH is injected and blood cortisol measured every half an hour.