Description
Why It’s Done:
• To assess growth hormone (GH) activity and to evaluate for growth disorders in children and adults.
• To diagnose or monitor conditions such as:
o Acromegaly (excess GH in adults)
o Gigantism (excess GH in children)
o Growth hormone deficiency (both in children and adults)
• To assess insulin-like effects and potential metabolic conditions.
• To monitor treatment response in patients undergoing GH therapy.
• Often used when there’s a suspicion of abnormal GH secretion, or in combination with other tests to confirm a diagnosis.
Preparation:
• Fasting is usually not required for this test, but follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider.
• A blood sample is drawn, typically from a vein in your arm.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any hormonal medications, including growth hormone or steroids, as these can affect the results.
• It’s also important to let your provider know if you have liver or kidney disorders, as these can influence IGF-1 levels.
