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HelpTest ID HGH Growth Hormone, Serum
Ordering Guidance
The recommended test for assessing growth hormone secretion in normal children is IGFMS / Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1, Mass Spectrometry, Serum.
The preferred test for acromegaly screening is IGFGP / Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 3 Growth Panel, Serum.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Fasting, 8 hours
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. If multiple specimens are collected, submit each vial under a separate order.
2. Label specimens appropriately with the corresponding collection times.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.
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 for use as a screen for acromegaly.
This test has limited value in assessing growth hormone secretion in normal children.
Method Name
Immunoenzymatic Assay
Reporting Name
Growth Hormone, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |
Clinical Information
The anterior pituitary secretes human growth hormone (hGH) in response to exercise, deep sleep, hypoglycemia, and protein ingestion. hGH stimulates hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 and mobilizes fatty acids from fat deposits to the liver. Hyposecretion of hGH causes dwarfism in children. Hypersecretion causes gigantism in children or acromegaly in adults.
Because hGH levels in normal and diseased populations overlap, hGH suppression and stimulation tests are needed to evaluate conditions of hGH excess and deficiency; random hGH levels are inadequate.
Reference Values
Adults
Males: 0.01-0.97 ng/mL
Females: 0.01-3.61 ng/mL
Reference intervals have not been formally verified in-house for pediatric and adolescent patients. The published literature indicates that reference intervals for adult, pediatric, and adolescent patients are comparable.
For SI unit Reference Values, see www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html
Cautions
As the hGH test has limited value in assessing growth hormone secretion in normal children, IGFMS / Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1, Mass Spectrometry, 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.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 to 3 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
83003