Growth Hormone Deficiency Test Results
Some labs use different measurements or test different samples.
Growth hormone deficiency test results. A blood test can measure growth hormone in the body. The growth hormone gh stimulation test measures the ability of the body to produce gh. How the test is performed blood is drawn several times. In addition to blood tests your doctor may perform some additional exams and tests to help diagnose growth hormone deficiency.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some involve the measurement of different hormones with simple. An mri of the brain may be taken so your doctor can see the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. If a child s test results show a gh concentration of less.
Growth hormone gh testing is primarily used to help diagnose growth hormone deficiency and to help evaluate pituitary gland function usually as a follow up to other abnormal pituitary hormone test results. In general a child whose test results show a gh concentration of 10 ng ml or greater in response to stimulation doesn t have gdh. If you have an excess or a deficiency of gh you will also have higher or lower than normal. In some laboratories the normal level is 7 ng ml 7 µg l.
A dual energy x ray absorptiometry dxa scan measures your bone density. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. Continued how to prepare your child for the test. A normal value rules out hgh deficiency.
An insulin like growth factor 1 test igf 1 test is often ordered at the same time as a gh serum test. If the results of your hgh test or tests reveal that your growth hormone levels fall below the normal ranges for your age weight and gender you may be a candidate for growth hormone replacement therapy. Gh testing is also used to detect excess gh and to help diagnose and monitor the treatment of acromegaly and gigantism. Several tests may be needed to see if your child has a growth hormone deficiency.