Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: 12–14 hours required
- Turn-around time: 3–4 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Direct access to growth hormone testing without doctor visit required upfront
- Comprehensive screening for both HGH deficiency and excess conditions
- Fast results within 3-4 business days for timely health decisions
- Confidential testing with secure results and physician review available
- Proactive monitoring of hormonal health and endocrine function
- Clinical-grade accuracy from certified national laboratories
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults experiencing unexplained fatigue or low energy levels
- Individuals with suspected hormone imbalances affecting metabolism
- People considering or currently on growth hormone therapy
- Those with family history of pituitary disorders
- Adults monitoring age-related hormonal changes
- Individuals with abnormal growth patterns or metabolic concerns
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit any certified lab location near you
- Provide blood sample after 12-14 hour fasting period
- Receive results securely within 3-4 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in your blood.
Do I need to fast before the test? Yes, you must fast for 12-14 hours and avoid biotin supplements for 72 hours beforehand.
How accurate are the results? Modern HGH and IGF-1 assays have over 85% sensitivity and specificity when used with clinical criteria.
What if my results are abnormal? Abnormal levels may indicate deficiency or excess and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for proper interpretation.
Can I use this to monitor GH therapy? Yes, this panel is commonly used to monitor the effectiveness and safety of growth hormone treatment.
Who should avoid this test? Consult your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, taking certain medications, or have active infections.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Growth Hormone Blood Test Panel evaluates levels of human growth hormone (HGH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to assess pituitary gland function and diagnose hormone-related disorders. This panel helps identify growth hormone deficiency (GHD), acromegaly, and other endocrine conditions that affect energy, metabolism, and overall health (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance, including unusual fatigue, poor exercise tolerance, abnormal growth patterns, or metabolic concerns. It's particularly valuable for those considering growth hormone therapy, monitoring existing treatment, or seeking preventive health insights related to aging and endocrine function (MedlinePlus 2024).
When should I order a Growth Hormone Blood Test Panel?
Consider ordering this test if you experience symptoms like persistent fatigue, decreased bone density, adverse lipid changes, reduced exercise tolerance, or signs of excess growth hormone such as skin thickening, joint pain, or enlarged hands and feet. It's also recommended when your healthcare provider suspects pituitary dysfunction or as part of monitoring existing hormone therapy.
How do I interpret the results?
Results include HGH and IGF-1 levels compared to age- and sex-matched normal ranges:
Normal levels
- What it means: Healthy pituitary function
- Typical action: Continue routine monitoring
Low HGH/IGF-1
- What it means: Possible growth hormone deficiency
- Typical action: Further testing, consider therapy
High HGH/IGF-1
- What it means: Possible acromegaly or excess
- Typical action: Additional evaluation needed
Discordant results
- What it means: Complex hormone dynamics
- Typical action: Specialist consultation recommended
Growth hormone deficiency affects approximately 1 in 4,000 to 1 in 10,000 children globally, while acromegaly has an estimated prevalence of 60 cases per million population (MedlinePlus 2024).
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.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for 12-14 hours before your blood draw and avoid biotin supplements for at least 72 hours. Rest calmly for 30 minutes before the test and confirm with your healthcare provider whether any medications should be paused. Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of testing as it can affect hormone levels.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: As recommended by provider
- Monitoring growth hormone (GH) therapy: Every 3–6 months initially
- Stable treatment: Every 6–12 months
- Suspected disorders: As clinically indicated
Why early detection matters
Early identification of growth hormone disorders can prevent serious complications including cardiovascular disease, bone loss, metabolic dysfunction, and reduced quality of life. Modern GH and IGF-1 testing allows for timely intervention, which has been shown to improve long-term health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs when properly managed (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Related tests you may consider
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Blood Test – Measures IGF-1 levels to help assess growth hormone activity, aiding in the evaluation of growth disorders, pituitary function, and conditions related to abnormal growth hormone production.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Blood Test – Measures ACTH levels to help evaluate how well the pituitary and adrenal glands are functioning, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, and pituitary disorders.
Glucose Tolerance Test – Measures how the body processes glucose over time to help diagnose diabetes, gestational diabetes, and other blood sugar metabolism disorders.
