Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Fast for 12-14 hours before blood collection. No biotin for 72 hours prior. Rest for 30 minutes before collection.
- Turnaround: 3-4 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What's Included
Hormone Panel
- Human Growth Hormone (HGH): Measures the pituitary hormone that regulates bone density, muscle mass, lipid metabolism, tissue repair, and overall growth and development.
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-1): Measures the liver and muscle-produced hormone released in response to HGH stimulation, used to assess HGH-related conditions and monitor HGH therapy.
Benefits
- Evaluates pituitary function through two connected hormone markers.
- Helps assess signs of growth hormone deficiency or excess.
- Supports monitoring of ongoing growth hormone therapy.
- Provides insight into how HGH and IGF-1 work together.
- Convenient blood draw with straightforward preparation steps.
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals whose healthcare provider wants to evaluate pituitary function.
- People being monitored during growth hormone treatment.
- Individuals experiencing symptoms associated with low growth hormone levels.
- Individuals experiencing symptoms associated with excess growth hormone levels.
- Anyone advised by a healthcare provider to follow up on abnormal pituitary results.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This panel evaluates growth hormone function by measuring Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-1). Together, these two biomarkers reflect how the pituitary gland and its downstream signals are functioning, since IGF-1 is produced in response to HGH stimulation. This combination helps provide a fuller picture of growth hormone activity than either marker alone. This panel does not diagnose any condition on its own.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
This panel may be appropriate for individuals whose healthcare provider wants to assess pituitary function, including those with symptoms that may relate to growth hormone imbalances or those following up on other pituitary-related findings. It may also benefit individuals who are currently undergoing growth hormone therapy and want to track how their body is responding over time.
3. When should I order this panel?
You may consider ordering this panel if you and your healthcare provider want to look into pituitary function, follow up on related symptoms, or monitor an existing growth hormone treatment plan. This panel can also be used as part of ongoing monitoring when directed by a healthcare provider. It is not intended to diagnose a condition on its own.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes. You should fast for 12-14 hours before blood collection, avoid biotin for 72 hours prior, and rest for 30 minutes before your sample is collected.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 3-4 days, though this may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
Growth hormone and IGF-1 levels are often most meaningful when viewed together, since patterns across both biomarkers can offer more insight than either value alone. Your healthcare provider is best positioned to help you understand what your results mean in the context of your health history and any symptoms you're experiencing.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If your results fall outside the expected range, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss what they may mean for you. They can help determine whether further testing, monitoring, or other next steps are appropriate based on your individual situation.
8. How often should I get tested?
How often you should repeat this panel depends on your individual health situation, including whether you're monitoring existing treatment or following up on prior results. Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider.
9. Why early detection matters
Keeping track of growth hormone and IGF-1 levels over time may help support earlier awareness of changes in pituitary function, which can be useful for ongoing monitoring and conversations with your healthcare provider. This panel is a tool to support that awareness rather than a guarantee of any particular outcome.
Pre-test preparation
Patients should fast for 12-14 hours before blood collection. No biotin 72 hours prior. Rest for 30 minutes before collection.
