Clinical Investigations Unit (CIU) - Services

What is an ACTH stimulation test?

This is a test ordered by your endocrinologist to see if your adrenal glands are able to make enough cortisol. Adrenal glands are located on top of your kidneys and are responsible for making hormones. Cortisol is one of these hormones. It assists in regulating your metabolism and helps your body to respond to stress. This test is performed to see if your adrenal glands can respond appropriately after stimulation by Cosyntropin (synthetic form of ACTH). It is used to test for adrenal insufficiency or non-classic (late onset) congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

How is the test performed?

An appointment will be scheduled for you to have the test performed. You will be provided with the location and arrival time. Please plan for at least 3 hours of testing.

An intravenous (IV) cannula will be inserted into a vein in one of your arms and will remain there for the duration of the test. All of your blood samples will be drawn through this catheter, so you will not require any further needle pokes. Once the first blood tests are obtained, the nurse will inject Cosyntropin into the IV line. Cosyntropin is a synthetic version of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which your pituitary gland releases to stimulate the adrenal glands to make cortisol.

After the medication is injected, the nurse will withdraw blood samples from the IV line every 30 minutes for 1-2 hours, according to the directions from your endocrinologist. Once this is completed, the IV line will be removed and you will be able to go home.

Are there any risks or side effects to this test?

As with any blood test or IV insertion, you may have some bruising or redness at the site where the catheter was inserted. There is also a very small risk of infection.

The Cosyntropin may cause a brief period of side effects such as nausea, flushing and increase blood pressure. The nurse will give you medication slowly– over about 2 minutes – to minimize these effects, and will monitor your blood pressure. These side effects will disappear after a few minutes and you will feel well for the remainder of the test.

How do I prepare for the test?

You will need to fast (no food or drinks other than water) after 10:00 pm the night before your test. Please DO drink water the morning of the test. You can bring a snack to eat once the test is completed.

Your doctor may also want you to take dexamethasone at 11:00 pm the night before the test. This will be discussed with you at your clinic appointment and tablets or a prescription will be given to you at that time.

Ask your doctor if there are any medications you should stop prior to your test and when you should restart them.

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 519-646-6000 ext. 66043 and state your name and test date. It’s important to know that there may be a delay in rescheduling your appointment as the availability of test times are limited. If you need to cancel, we ask that you call as soon as possible.

Download the above ACTH Stimulation Test information (PDF) from our Patient and Caregiver Resources.

What is a saline infusion for primary hyperaldosteronism test?

This test is frequently done for patients who have high blood pressure that has not responded appropriately to medication, and for those with low blood potassium levels.

It is being done because your previous blood work showed a high level of aldosterone. Aldosterone helps control blood pressure by holding onto salt and water. The increased salt and water increases your blood pressure. Aldosterone also helps eliminate potassium from the blood.

Primary hyperaldosteronism is a disease in which the adrenal gland(s) make too much aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure and low blood potassium levels.

How is the test performed?

An appointment will be scheduled for you to have the test performed. You will be provided with the location and arrival time. Please plan for at least 5 hours of testing.

Upon arrival, your weight will be taken and you will recline in a lying position for 30 minutes prior to the start of your test.

An intravenous (IV) cannula will be inserted into a vein in one of your arms and will remain there for the duration of the test. All of your blood samples will be drawn through this catheter, so you will not require any further needle pokes.

Using an infusion pump, the IV fluid is delivered into a vein of your arm at a very fast rate for 4 hours. Your arm may feel cold.

During the IV infusion, the nurse will check your blood pressure every 15 minutes and check you for any signs that you are nor tolerating the large volume of fluid, such as swelling in your hands and feet, shortness of breath or cough. Once the infusion is done, blood work will be drawn from the IV line. The IV will continue very slowly until it is determined you have been able to get rid of most of the fluid you have received.

You will be asked to empty your bladder and your weight will be rechecked. If you have any signs of retaining too much fluid, the doctor will assess you and may provide IV medication, furosemide (Lasix), to help you pass urine to eliminate the extra fluid. The physician will also advise you about what blood pressure pills and doses to take after the test is done.

Once the blood work is done, your blood pressure is stable and next steps have been discussed, the IV will be discontinued and you can go home.

Are there any risks or side effects to this test?

As with any blood test or IV insertion, you may have some bruising or redness at the site where the catheter was inserted. There is also a very small risk of infection.

How do I prepare for the test?

Your test will be booked to allow for about 4 weeks of preparation. During this period, you will likely have your blood pressure medications changed and doses adjusted as many of blood pressure medications can affect the blood tests, which will impact results.

Your doctor may order blood tests to monitor potassium levels. You may also be started on a potassium supplement or have it increased as low blood potassium levels will also give invalid test results. You may also have heart tests done to ensure your heart is able to tolerate the volume of salty IV fluid given during this test.

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 519-646-6000 ext. 66043 and state your name and test date. It’s important to know that there may be a delay in rescheduling your appointment as the availability of test times are limited. If you need to cancel, we ask that you call as soon as possible.

Download the above Saline Infusion for Primary Hyperaldosteronism Test (PDF) from our Patient and Caregiver Resources.

What is a mixed meal tolerance test?

The mixed meal tolerance test requires a person to drink a “mixed meal”, which is usually Ensure High Protein drink that contains protein, carbohydrates and fat. The goal of the test is to measure how much insulin your pancreas makes in response to food. When a person’s body is working appropriately, the beverage causes blood sugar to rise and the pancreas to release just enough insulin to normalize blood sugar. However, in certain circumstances, the pancreas may work differently and produce too much or too little insulin.

This test is often used for people who have had an islet or pancreas transplant to determine if the transplanted cells are making enough insulin.

This test is also used for people who experience a low blood sugar level following a meal.

How is the test performed?

An appointment will be scheduled for you to have the test performed. You will be provided with the location and arrival time. Please plan for at least 2 hours of testing.

On arrival your weight and blood sugar will be tested. The nurse will continue testing your sugars from the finger poke as needed. An intravenous (IV) cannula will be inserted into a vein in one of your arms and will remain there for the duration of the test. All of your blood samples will be drawn through this catheter, so you will not require any further needle pokes. The nurse will take blood samples approximately every 30-60 minutes after you have consumed an amount of Ensure based on your body weight.

Once the test is completed, the IV will be removed and you will be able to go home.

Are there any risks or side effects to this test?

As with any blood test or IV insertion, you may have some bruising or redness at the site where the catheter was inserted. There is also a very small risk of infection.

You may feel light-headed, nauseated and sweaty if your blood sugar level gets very low.

How do I prepare for the test?

You will need to fast (no food or drinks other than water) after 10:00 pm (or as instructed by your doctor) the night before your test. Please DO drink water the morning of the test.

If you are taking insulin, please follow your doctor’s instructions about how to manage your insulin in preparation for the test.

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 519-646-6000 ext. 66043 and state your name and test date. It’s important to know that there may be a delay in rescheduling your appointment as the availability of test times are limited. If you need to cancel, we ask that you call as soon as possible.

Download the above Mixed Meal Tolerance Test (PDF) from our Patient and Caregiver Resources.

What is a growth hormone suppression test?

This is a test ordered by your endocrinologist to determine if you are making too much growth hormone. Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and is needed for proper growth and development in children, as well as proper bone density, muscle tone and fat metabolism in adults.

In some people, the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, which can lead to a condition called acromegaly. This can cause elevated blood pressure and blood sugar, heart problems, sleep apnea, fatigue and other health problems. You or family members may notice some signs of acromegaly, which may include growth in the size of your hands or feet (rings or shoes may become too small), widening spaces between your teeth, and protruding of your forehead and jaw.​​​

With a growth hormone suppression test, blood growth hormone levels will decrease in people who do not have acromegaly but will not decrease sufficiently in people who have this condition.

How is the test performed?

An appointment will be scheduled for you to have the test performed. You will be provided with the location and arrival time. Please plan for at least 2 ½ hours of testing. An intravenous cannula (IV) will be inserted into a vein in one of your arms and will remain there for the duration of the test. All of your blood samples will be drawn through this catheter, so you will not require any further needle pokes except for finger picks that will be done to check your blood sugar levels at regular intervals.

Once the first blood samples are obtained, you will be given a very sweet drink you will need to consume over 5 minutes. After the drink is consumed, the nurse will withdraw blood samples from the IV line every 30 minutes for 2 hours. Once this is completed, the IV line will be removed and you can go home.

Are there any risks or side effects to this test?

As with any blood test or IV insertion, you may have some bruising or redness at the site where the catheter was inserted. There is also a very small risk of infection. The glucose drink may cause some nausea as you are drinking it but this will settle quickly.

How do I prepare for the test?

You will need to fast (no food or drinks other than water) after 10:00 pm the night before your test. Please DO drink water the morning of the test. You can bring a snack to eat once the test is completed.

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 519-646-6000 ext. 64424 and state your name and test date. It’s important to know that there may be a delay in rescheduling your appointment as the availability of test times are limited. If you need to cancel, we ask that you call as soon as possible.

Download the above Growth Hormone Suppression Test (PDF) from our Patient and Caregiver Resources.

What is a clonidine suppression test?

This test is performed to rule out a condition called pheochromocytoma, a non-cancerous tumor that most commonly develops in the adrenal glands and releases hormones that cause high blood pressure.

How is the test performed?
An appointment will be scheduled for you to have the test performed. You will be provided with the location and arrival time. Please plan for 4 - 5 hours of testing. An intravenous (IV) cannula will be inserted into a vein in one of your arms and will remain there
for the duration of the test. All of your blood samples will be drawn through this catheter, so you will not require any further needle pokes.

You will be settled into a darkened room. Your vital signs will be taken once you are settled and then again every 30 minutes. After you have been lying down for 30 minutes, the first blood samples are taken. You will be given clonidine and then further blood samples will be taken. Once the test is completed and your blood pressure has normalized, the IV will be removed and you will be able to go home. You will be allowed to eat and drink.

Are there any risks or side effects to this test?

As with any blood test or IV insertion, you may have some bruising or redness at the site where the catheter was inserted. There is also a very small risk of infection. You may experience drowsiness, dry mouth, low blood pressure and some dizziness.

How do I prepare for the test?

To prepare for the test, you will have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your test. Do not eat, drink or smoke anything with caffeine or nicotine before your test. Do not take any acetaminophen or products containing acetaminophen for 1 week before your test. Dietary restrictions include no walnuts, bananas or vanilla for 1 week prior to your test. You will need to arrange to have someone to drive you home after the test.

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 519-646-6000 ext. 64424 and state your name and test date. It’s important to know that there may be a delay in rescheduling your appointment as the availability of test times are limited. If you need to cancel, we ask that you call as soon as possible.

Download the above Clonidine Suppression Test (PDF) from our Patient and Caregiver Resources.

What is a fast test?

This is a test to assess your low blood sugars levels (hypoglycemia) in an effort to determine the cause. Your physician has reviewed the circumstances around your low blood sugars and has ordered some specific tests to see if a low blood sugar can be
reproduced in our clinic for further testing and diagnosis. 

Hypoglycemia is a condition where blood sugar levels in the body are too low which can result in a variety of symptoms. This may include anxiety, sweating, hunger, headache and tingling or numbness of the skin.

How is the test performed?

You will fast (nothing to eat or drink) prior to the test. Your physician will determine the timing of the fasting based on your specific symptoms. You will be given an appointment and arrival time.

An intravenous cannula (IV) will be inserted into a vein in your arm. This allows your nurse to take blood samples directly from the IV without further use of needles. The first blood tests will be drawn at this time.

Your blood sugar will be checked on a regular basis as ordered by your doctor, using a glucometer. This will give an immediate reading for the nurse to determine how you are doing. As well, you will report any symptoms to the nurse throughout the test.

Your physician has determined how low your blood sugar levels need to drop for the test to be completed. When you reach that level, the nurse will draw more blood work to end the test. At this point, you will be given some juice to bring your blood sugar levels back up. You are encouraged to bring along a snack or small meal to help you recover from your low blood sugar, prior to going home.

Once your blood sugar has recovered, your IV will be removed and you can go home. Please arrange to have a driver available to pick you up. The length of time of the test depends on your body’s response to the fast. However, if you have not had a low blood
sugar by 4 pm, blood work will be drawn and the test will end.

Are there any risks or side effects to this test?

As with any blood test or IV insertion, you may have some bruising or redness at the site where the catheter was inserted. There is also a very small risk of infection.​​​​​ You may feel light-headed, nauseated and sweaty as your blood sugar gets very low.

How do I prepare for the test?

You will need to fast (no food or drinks) the night before your test. Specific directions will be provided to you. Please bring a snack to eat once the test is completed to help bring your blood sugars back up.

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 519-646-6000 ext. 64424 and state your name and test date. It’s important to know that there may be a delay in rescheduling your appointment as the availability of test times are limited. If you need to cancel, we ask that you call as soon as possible.

Download the above Fast Test (PDF) from our Patient and Caregiver Resources.

What is an insulin tolerance test?

This test has nothing to do with diabetes. It will determine if your body is able to make enough growth hormone and cortisol in response to stress. A hormone is a chemical made by certain cells in the body and released into the bloodstream to send a message to another part of the body. When things are working normally, your pituitary gland (a small gland that lies just under the brain) produces several hormones.

During the insulin tolerance test, your body is put into a state of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) to create stress so that your body’s normal hormonal response can be tested. The test will identify if the pituitary gland is producing sufficient growth hormone, and/or properly regulating your production of cortisol (a natural steroid hormone).

How is the test performed?

An appointment will be scheduled for you to have the test performed. You will be provided with the location and arrival time. Please plan for at least 5 hours of testing.

An intravenous (IV) cannula will be inserted into a vein in one of your arms and will remain there for the duration of the test. All of your blood samples will be drawn through this catheter, so you will not require any further needle pokes. You will also have your blood sugar checked prior to the start of the test using a glucometer. This will be done at regular intervals during the test, to ensure your safety and to make sure your blood sugar level fall enough to make the test valid. If your blood sugar does not fall to a level ordered by your doctor, the test results may not be valid and the test will need to be repeated. 

The nurse will also be checking for signs of low blood sugar such as sweating, fatigue, blurred vision, weakness etc., which are also needed for the test to be successful. Once your first blood tests are drawn, the nurse will administer insulin through the IV to
lower your blood glucose. You will likely start to feel the symptoms of low blood sugar after about 20-30 minutes. These symptoms will be strongest for about 15 minutes. Slowly, your body will begin to recover and you will gradually feel better. During this time, you must stay awake and be assessed by the nurse as part of maintaining your safety. Blood samples will then be taken at regular intervals for approximately two hours.

For some people, blood sugar levels increase slowly and the nurse may need to give you some juice to help boost your blood sugar. Otherwise, you will not be able to eat or drink until the test is completed.

Are there any risks or side effects to this test?

As with any blood test or IV insertion, you may have some bruising or redness at the site where the catheter was inserted. There is also a very small risk of infection. Your endocrinologists will talk to you about the risks of this test. You may experience symptoms such as sweating, shakiness, hunger, dizziness or sleepiness when your blood glucose levels become low. These symptoms will resolve within the first hour of the test as your blood sugar rises. The insulin only acts to lower your blood sugar and once it
rises, these symptoms will not start again.

How do I prepare for the test?

You will need to fast (no food or drinks other than water) after 10 pm the night before your test unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If your doctor has given you instructions on which medications to take or not take, please follow this advice carefully.

Please bring a snack to eat once the test is completed.

You will need a driver to take you home after the test as you may feel quite tired. If desired, you can bring a change of clothes in case you are damp after the test due to sweating.

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 519-646-6000 ext. 64424 and state your name and test date. It’s important to know that there may be a delay in rescheduling your appointment as the availability of test times are limited. If you need to
cancel, we ask that you call as soon as possible.

Download the above Insulin Tolerance Test (PDF) from our Patient and Caregiver Resources.

What is a water deprivation test?

This test is ordered for people who are suspected of having a condition called diabetes insipidus, which causes a very high urine output, day and night, that does not stop, even if the individual stops drinking. With this test, your endocrinologist will be able to tell if you have a problem with urine concentration. This could be due to a lack of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which is produced in the pituitary gland.

The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located below the brain, behind the bridge of the nose. It produces many of the body’s hormones (chemical ‘signals’ that help control and regulate processes in the body). ADH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland that enables the kidneys to retain water in the body. It’s important to know if ADH is lacking because it can cause dehydration.

If the test shows you have diabetes insipidus, medication can be prescribed to help your body concentrate your urine. Sometimes the test tells us that your kidneys are not working properly. Once the test results are available, your physician will speak to you
about next steps.

How is the test performed?

An appointment will be scheduled for you to have the test performed. You will be provided with the location and arrival time. Please plan for up to 8 hours of testing. The actual length of testing time will depend on how quickly your body responds to withholding fluids. You will be required to stay in the clinic for the duration of the test so that regular blood and urine samples can be taken.

An intravenous (IV) cannula will be inserted into a vein in one of your arms and will remain there for the duration of the test. All of your blood samples will be drawn through this catheter, so you will not require any further needle pokes.

Blood and urine samples will be collected frequently. Your weight and blood pressure will also be checked. The total urine output will be calculated at the end of the test. Once the blood or urine tests, weight or blood pressure meets the criteria determined by the
physician, the test will be stopped. Your physician will assess you throughout the test.

During the test, you may be administered a nasal spray of ADH, which will help us determine whether there is a problem with the pituitary gland or the kidneys. You will be allowed to drink at this point. Blood and urine samples will be collected for one hour after
administration. Prior to discharge, your IV will be removed and you will be given something to eat and drink before you go home.

Are there any risks or side effects to this test?

As with any blood test or IV insertion, you may have some bruising or redness at the site where the catheter was inserted. There is also a very small risk of infection. You may experience feelings of hunger or thirst as you will not be allowed to eat or drink anything during the test. Some people develop a headache as a result of not eating or drinking.

How do I prepare for the test?

To prepare for the test, your endocrinologist will tell you when to stop eating and drinking. This is a decision made based on their assessment of your symptoms for your safety.

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 519-646-6000 ext. 64424 and state your name and test date. It’s important to know that there may be a delay in rescheduling your appointment as the availability of test times are limited. If you need to cancel, we ask that you call as soon as possible.

Download the above Water Deprivation Test (PDF) from our Patient and Caregiver Resources.

What is a levothyroxine absorption test?
This is a test ordered by your endocrinologist to identify if your body can sufficiently absorb thyroxine after it is administered orally.

How is the test performed?
An appointment will be scheduled for you to have the test performed. You will be provided with the location and arrival time. Please plan for at least 2.5 hours of testing.

An intravenous (IV) cannula will be inserted into a vein in one of your arms and will remain there for the duration of the test. All of your blood samples will be drawn through this catheter, so you will not require any further needle pokes. Once the first blood tests are obtained, the nurse will administer levothyroxine for you to take with a glass of water.

After the medication is taken, the nurse will withdraw blood samples from the IV line every 30 minutes for 1-2 hours, according to the directions from your endocrinologist. Once this is completed, the IV line will be removed and you will be able to go home.

Are there any risks or side effects to this test?
As with any blood test or IV insertion, you may have some bruising or redness at the site where the catheter was inserted. There is also a very small risk of infection.

How do I prepare for the test?
You will need to fast (no food or drinks other than water) after midnight the night before your test. Please DO drink water the morning of the test. You can bring a snack to eat once the test is completed.

What should I do if I need to cancel?
If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 519 646-6000 ext. 66043 and state your name and test date. It’s important to know that there may be a delay in rescheduling your appointment as the availability of test times are limited. If you need to cancel, we ask that you call as soon as possible.

Download the above Levothyroxine Absorption Test (PDF) from our Patient and Caregiver Resources.

(CORTISOL SALIVA AND SERUM HOURLY X 8 HOURS)

What is a cortisol day curve test?

This is a test ordered by your endocrinologist to assess your cortisol levels over the course of 8 hours.

How is the test performed?

An appointment will be scheduled for you to have the test performed. You will be provided with the location and arrival time. Please plan for at least 8 1/2 hours of testing.

An intravenous (IV) cannula will be inserted into a vein in one of your arms and will remain there for the duration of the test. All of your blood samples will be drawn through this catheter, so you will not require any further needle pokes.

You will also be asked to provide multiple timed saliva samples that will also be tested for cortisol and compared to the levels in your blood.

Once all the samples have been completed, the IV line will be removed and you will be able to go home.

Are there any risks or side effects to this test?

As with any blood test or IV insertion, you may have some bruising or redness at the site where the catheter was inserted. There is also a very small risk of infection.

How do I prepare for the test?

You will need to fast (no food or drinks other than water) after 10:00 pm the night before your test. Please DO drink water the morning of the test. You can bring snacks to eat once the test has started. If you are taking hydrocortisone, you should take this as you normally do at home, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 519 646-6000 ext. 66043 and state your name and test date. It’s important to know that there may be a delay in rescheduling your appointment as the availability of test times are limited. If you need to cancel, we ask that you call as soon as possible.

Download the above Cortisol Day Curve Test (PDF) from our Patient and Caregiver Resources.

What is a catecholamine testing?

Catecholamines are a group of similar substances released into the blood in response to physical or emotional stress. The primary catecholamines are dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). They make you breathe faster, raise your blood pressure and send more blood to your major organs (brain, heart and kidneys).

Catecholamine testing measures the amounts of these hormones in the urine and/or blood. The test has been ordered because you have symptoms that suggest you may have an adrenal tumor that is secreting too much of these substances.

How is the test performed?

An appointment will be scheduled for you to have the test performed. You will be provided with the location and arrival time. Please plan for 1-2 hours of testing.

An intravenous (IV) cannula will be inserted into a vein in one of your arms and will remain there for the duration of the test. All of your blood samples will be drawn through this catheter, so you will not require any further needle pokes. You will recline and relax in a quiet space for about 30 minutes before the test begins. Once the test is complete, the IV will be removed and you will be
able to go home.

Are there any risks or side effects to this test?

As with any blood test or IV insertion, you may have some bruising or redness at the site where the catheter was inserted. There is also a very small risk of infection.

How do I prepare for the test?

Starting four days before the test, you will need to stop eating foods that increase catecholamine levels. These include coffee, tea, bananas, chocolate, cocoa, citrus fruits, and vanilla. You must not smoke or have nicotine for at least 2 hours prior to the test. You must also stop certain activities 4 days before the test, such as any type of vigorous exercise, and avoid acute stress.

Medications containing acetaminophen need to be stopped 1 week before the test. Follow all medication instructions provided by your endocrinologist, who may need to adjust your medications in case they interfere with the testing.

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 519-646-6000 ext. 64424 and state your name and test date. It’s important to know that there may be a delay in rescheduling your appointment as the availability of test times are limited. If you need to
cancel, we ask that you call as soon as possible.

Download the above Catecholamine Testing (PDF) from our Patient and Caregiver Resources.

What is a glucagon stimulation test for cortisol and growth hormone deficiency?

This is a test ordered by your endocrinologist to check (or confirm) if your body is producing enough cortisol and growth hormone.

How is the test performed?

An appointment will be scheduled for you to have the test performed. You will be provided with the location and arrival time. Please plan for at least 3 1/2 hours of testing.

An intravenous (IV) cannula will be inserted into a vein in one of your arms and will remain there for the duration of the test. All of your blood samples will be drawn through this catheter, so you will not require any further needle pokes. The nurse will administer
an intramuscular injection.​​​​ Once this is completed, the IV line will be removed and you will be able to go home.z

Are there any risks or side effects to this test?

As with any blood test or IV insertion, you may have some bruising or redness at the site where the catheter was inserted. There is also a very small risk of infection. Common side effects of glucagon include temporary changes in blood pressure, increase
in heart rate, nausea, vomiting and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

How do I prepare for the test?

You will need to fast (no food or drinks other than water) after 10:00 pm the night before your test. Please DO drink water the morning of the test. You can bring a snack to eat once the test is completed. Your doctor will advise you to stop all glucocorticoids, including inhaled, for 48 hours before the test.

What should I do if I need to cancel?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please call 519-646-6000 ext. 64424 and state your name and test date. It’s important to know that there may be a delay in rescheduling your appointment as the availability of test times are limited. If you need to cancel, we ask that you call as soon as possible.

Download the above Glucagon Stimulation Test (PDF) from our Patient and Caregiver Resources.