Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) Blood Testing

What is an Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1) Test?

An Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1) test measures the amount of this critical hormone in a patient’s blood, a hormone whose primary job is to help regulate the effects of growth hormone (GH) in an individual’s body, and whose functions include the growth of tissue and bones. Disorders and diseases, that include pituitary tumors, can cause a patient’s body to manufacture too much growth hormone, and since this hormone is directly linked to IGF-1 measurements, it can be used to diagnose health issues related to having too much or little GH in a person’s body.

Who May Need an Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1) Test?

Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1) tests are commonly performed when an individual exhibits Acromegaly, a condition where too much growth hormone is being produced which results in abnormally large extremities (hands and feet) and facial bones in children and adults. It is also utilized to indicate the presence of Laron syndrome, a type of dwarfism, where growth hormone levels are deficient resulting in underdevelopment during the growing stages of individuals.

What Should I Expect from My Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1) Test?

The Insulin-Like Growth Factor is obtained through a patient’s blood sample and requires no preparation by the patient. Though there are many things that can affect a patient’s Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1) results, abnormal levels may indicate the presence of conditions related to dwarfism, gigantism or Acromegaly in children or adults. Any abnormal results should be discussed with your physician or a specialist.