Growth hormone stimulation test

Blood is drawn several times. Blood samples are taken through an intravenous (IV) line instead of reinserting the needle each time. The test takes between 2 and 5 hours. The procedure is done the following way: An IV is usually placed in a vein, most often the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is…

DO NOT eat for 10 to 12 hours before the test. Eating food can change the test results. Some medicines can affect the test results. Ask your provider if you should stop taking any of your medicines before the test. If your child will have this test, explain how the test will feel. You may want to demonstrate on a…

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

This test is most often done to find out whether a growth hormone deficiency (GH deficiency) is causing slowed growth.

Normal results include: Normal peak value, at least 10 ng/mL (10 µg/L) Indeterminate, 5 to 10 ng/mL (5 to 10 µg/L) Subnormal, 5 ng/mL (5 µg/L) A normal value rules out hGH deficiency. In some laboratories, the normal level is 7 ng/mL (7 µg/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some…

If this test does not raise GH levels, there is a reduced amount of hGH stored in the anterior pituitary. In children, this results in GH deficiency. In adults, it may be linked to adult GH deficiency.

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include: Excessive…

Dattani MT, Dastamani A. Growth hormone deficiency in children. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 18. Guber HA, Oprea M, Russell YX. Evaluation of endocrine function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory…