Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (0.6 mL)
- Fasting: 8 hours required
- Turn-around: 2-3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Skip the doctor's office - Get direct access to HGH testing without referrals or appointments
- Monitor hormonal health - Track growth hormone levels for metabolic and wellness optimization
- Early detection - Identify potential growth hormone disorders before symptoms worsen
- Confidential results - Receive secure, private results through digital platforms
- Nationwide access - Visit any of our partner laboratory locations across the country
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults experiencing unexplained fatigue or reduced energy levels
- Individuals with decreased muscle mass or difficulty building muscle
- People concerned about bone density or metabolic changes
- Those with family history of pituitary disorders or growth hormone conditions
- Individuals who suffered head trauma or have pituitary tumors
- Anyone monitoring treatment response for diagnosed growth hormone disorders
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and receive a lab requisition form
- Visit a lab - Get your blood drawn at any partner location near you
- Get results - Receive secure, confidential results within 2-3 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test measures the amount of growth hormone in your blood at the time of collection to screen for deficiency or excess production.
Do I need to fast before the test? Yes, you must fast for at least 8 hours before your blood draw and avoid all food and beverages except water.
What medications should I avoid? Discontinue biotin supplements 12 hours before testing and discuss any prescription medications with your healthcare provider that might affect hormone levels.
How accurate is a single HGH measurement? Single measurements have limited diagnostic value due to natural hormone fluctuations throughout the day, so results require professional interpretation and may need follow-up testing.
What happens if my results are abnormal? Abnormal results typically require additional stimulation or suppression testing for definitive diagnosis, and consultation with an endocrinologist is recommended.
Can I use this test to monitor treatment? Yes, this test can help monitor treatment response for diagnosed growth hormone disorders when ordered at appropriate intervals.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Human Growth Hormone (HGH) serum test measures growth hormone levels in your blood to screen for deficiency or excess production. Growth hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, controls body growth, metabolism, and tissue development throughout life (Mayo Clinic 2022). This test helps identify conditions like adult growth hormone deficiency, acromegaly, or gigantism by analyzing GH concentrations using immunoenzymatic assay methods.
Who would benefit from this test?
Adults experiencing unexplained fatigue, reduced muscle mass, low bone density, or metabolic changes may benefit from HGH testing (NCBI 2022). Individuals with pituitary disorders, head trauma history, or family history of growth hormone conditions should consider screening. The test also supports monitoring treatment response for diagnosed growth hormone disorders and preventive health assessment for high-risk individuals.
When should I order this test?
Consider ordering this test if you're experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, need routine health monitoring as a high-risk individual, or require follow-up on previous abnormal results. Schedule testing preferably in the morning when baseline hormone levels are most stable, and ensure proper fasting preparation for accurate results.
How do I interpret the results?
Adult Males: 0.05-3 ng/mL
- What it means: Normal range
- Typical action: Continue routine monitoring
Adult Females: 0.05-8 ng/mL
- What it means: Normal range
- Typical action: Continue routine monitoring
Below normal range
- What it means: Possible GH deficiency
- Typical action: Follow-up stimulation testing
Above normal range
- What it means: Possible GH excess
- Typical action: Follow-up suppression testing
Adult growth hormone deficiency affects approximately 2-3 in 10,000 individuals, with diagnostic accuracy improving significantly when combined with IGF-1 testing.
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 a minimum of 8 hours before blood collection, avoiding all food and beverages except water. Discontinue biotin (vitamin B7) supplements at least 12 hours before testing as they may interfere with results (Mayo Clinic Labs). Consult with healthcare providers about prescription medications that might affect growth hormone levels, particularly those affecting blood sugar or hormone production.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Once, then as needed
- Monitoring treatment: Every 3-6 months
- High-risk individuals: Annually
- Follow-up abnormal results: As directed by physician
Why early detection matters
Early detection of growth hormone disorders prevents complications and improves treatment outcomes. Untreated growth hormone deficiency can lead to decreased bone density, muscle weakness, and metabolic dysfunction. Excess growth hormone can cause type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and decreased lifespan if left untreated (Endocrine Society 2011). Regular monitoring enables timely intervention and better long-term health outcomes.
Related tests you may consider
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) Test - Provides more stable measurements than direct GH testing since IGF-1 levels remain consistent throughout the day, making it an excellent screening tool for growth hormone disorders.
Growth Hormone Blood Test Panel - Measures both HGH and IGF‑1 to help diagnose growth hormone deficiencies or excesses (e.g., acromegaly, gigantism), evaluate pituitary function, and monitor GH therapy effectiveness.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel- Since growth hormone affects metabolism, bone health, and body composition, a complete metabolic assessment provides valuable context for interpreting HGH results and planning treatment strategies.
