What is this test?
Growth hormone is released by the pituitary gland in short bursts and affects growth, muscle, bone and metabolism.
Why might it be ordered?
- When evaluating abnormal growth in children or signs of growth hormone excess.
- As part of specialized stimulatory or suppressive trials and to monitor treatment.
What sample is needed?
A healthcare professional collects a venous blood sample. Depending on the method, the laboratory uses serum or plasma.
How should you prepare?
A special protocol, time or dynamic sample is often required. Follow the endocrinologist's and laboratory's instructions exactly. Tell the laboratory about all medicines, hormone treatments, vitamins and supplements you take. Do not stop or change treatment unless your clinician tells you to. Follow any instructions about fasting and the time of collection.
How should you understand the result?
Because growth hormone is released in pulses, a single value may be low or high without disease. It is usually assessed with IGF-1 and, when needed, dynamic testing. Your result is interpreted using the reference interval on the laboratory report and in the context of your symptoms, medical history and other test findings.
Sources and editorial status
This patient-facing text is an editorial draft. It should be approved by a laboratory physician before official publication.