Laboratory Services

Growth Hormone, Serum

Print this page

Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Growth Hormone, Serum
Synonym(s)

Growth Hormone Provocative Test; Growth Hormone Stimulation; hGH (Human Growth Hormone); Human Growth Hormone; Somatotrophic Hormone; Somatotropin

Test ID
HGH
General Information

Useful for:



  • 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

Methodology

Immunoenzymatic Assay

Estimated TAT

1-3 days

Testing Schedule

Monday-Friday

Retention

14 days

CPT Code(s)

83003

Reference Range

Adult Male: 0.01 - 0.97 ng/mL
Adult Female: 0.01 - 3.61 ng/mL

Performing Lab

Mayo

LOINC Code(s)

2963-7

Additional Information