ADH

A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X

ADH is a test that measures the amount of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in blood. ADH is found in the body, and it may be given as a medication.

Arginine vasopressin; Antidiuretic hormone; AVP; Vasopressin

Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

---

---

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

Talk to your health care provider about your medications before the test. Many medications can affect ADH measurements, including:

• Alcohol
• Clonidine
• Diuretics
• Haloperidol
• Insulin
• Lithium
• Morphine
• Nicotine
• Steroids

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

This test is performed if your health care provider suspects you have a disorder that affects your ADH level.

ADH is a hormone stored in the posterior pituitary gland in the brain. It regulates water in the body. ADH acts on the kidneys to increase total body water. This increases blood volume and blood pressure.

The release of ADH is controlled by cells called osmoreceptors and baroreceptors. Osmoreceptors are specialized areas in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus.