GROWTH HORMONE (hGH)
01 Overview
02 Details
Why Get Tested?
To help diagnose growth hormone (GH) deficiency or, less commonly, growth hormone excess; to evaluate pituitary function; to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for excess production of GH.
When to Get Tested?
When a child has slow growth, short stature, and delayed development or sometimes when an adult has decreased bone density and/or muscle strength and elevated blood lipid levels that could be related to insufficient GH production; when a child or adult has signs and symptoms suggestive of GH excess, which can cause two rare conditions, gigantism and acromegaly, respectively; when a pituitary disorder is suspected and other pituitary hormone levels are abnormal.
Sample Required?
Usually several blood samples, drawn at timed intervals from veins in your arms; sometimes a single sample of blood, drawn following a fast and rest, after a period of strenuous exercise, or after ingesting a glucose (sugar) solution.
Test Preparation Needed?
Follow any instructions you are given, such as to fast, in order to prepare for this test.