Diagnosis of acromegaly and assessment of treatment efficacy when interpreted in conjunction with results from glucose suppression test
Diagnosis of human growth hormone deficiency when interpreted in conjunction with results from growth hormone stimulation test
This test is not intended as a screen for acromegaly
The preferred test for acromegaly screening is IGF1 / Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1
This test has limited value in assessing growth hormone secretion in normal children
The recommended test for assessing growth hormone secretion in normal children is IGF1I / Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1
Specimen Type
Serum
Specimen Requirements
Preferred: Serum Gel (SST)
Acceptable: Red Top
Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions
Patient Preparation: Fasting, 8 hours
If multiple specimens are drawn, submit each vial under a separate order
Label specimens appropriately with the corresponding collection times
Minimum Sample Volume
0.5 mL
Stability
Refrigerated (preferred): 7 days
Frozen: 90 days
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions
Gross hemolysis
Limitations
As the hGH test has limited value in assessing growth hormone secretion in normal children, IGF1I / Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1, Serum is recommended as the first test for assessing deficient or excess growth during childhood and adolescent development. IGF1 reference intervals for Tanner stages are available. Suspected causes of dwarfism should be diagnosed with the aid of provocative testing
Elevated levels of human growth hormone indicate the possibility of gigantism or acromegaly, but must be confirmed with stimulation and suppression testing
Growth hormone is secreted in surges; single measurements are of limited diagnostic value
