A test performed by giving dexamethasone, then taking blood samples to differentiate between cancer and other types of growths on the adrenal glands. The test can sometimes also determine the presence of mental depression.
A test performed by administering dexamethasone to determine the effect on cortisol production. This is done as part of the diagnostic investigation for Cushing’s syndrome. Normally this test causes a decrease in cortisol production, but in a patient with Cushing’s syndrome, suppression is minimal. The test may be positive in patients with ectopic corticotropin production.