Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) Testing
FAQ
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What is an IGF-1 blood test?
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a derivative of human growth hormone (GH) that induces skeletal muscle growth and bone remodeling. It is also involved in the regulation of cell development and differentiation. Its concentration in the blood can be examined to understand health concerns that could indicate an IGF-1 deficiency.
IGF-1 deficiencies can result in:
- A child with a shorter than normal stature
- Low bone density in adults
- Altered lipid levels
- Muscle mass loss
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What does IGF-1 test for?
IGF-1 testing can test for conditions that are related to its deficiency or excess. IGF-1 is useful in diagnosing:
- Pituitary gland dysfunction
- Hypopituitarism (decreased pituitary hormones)
- Gigantism
- Acromegaly
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Who should get an IGF-1 blood test?
You should consider getting your IGF-1 levels tested if you’re exhibiting symptoms of IGF-1 deficiency like:
- Slowed growth (in children)
- Fatigue
- Lipid changes
- Low bone density
- Exercise intolerance
If you are undergoing GH replacement therapy, it is also indicated that you measure your IGF-1 levels to understand the effectiveness of your therapy better.
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Do I need to visit a doctor?
No doctor visit needed.
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How do I get my results?
You get your results via email as soon as they are available.
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Does my lab prescription expire?
Your lab prescription never expires.*
- Low prices since 2005
- Same day lab order by email
- Labs within 1 mile of 90% of the US
- Lab test prescriptions NEVER expire*
- Over 650 blood work labs to choose from
- Secure, encrypted & accurate testing
- Low prices since 2005
- Same day lab order by email
- Labs within 1 mile of 90% of the US
- Lab test prescriptions NEVER expire*
- Over 4000 blood work locations + 650 different blood tests to choose from
- Secure, encrypted & accurate testing
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I, LC/MS) (Quest Diagnostics) Same day lab order delivery
Measuring IGF-I is useful in several growth-related disorders. Dwarfism caused by deficiency of growth hormone (hypopituitarism) results in decreased serum levels of IGF-I, while acromegaly (growth hormone excess) results in elevated levels of IGF-I. IGF-I measurements are also helpful in assessing nutritional status; levels are reduced in undernutrition and restored with a proper diet.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Alternative Name(s):
Somatomedin-C, Insulin-Like Growth Factor, IGF-1, SM-C/IGF-1
No fasting required.
Estimated turnaround for results is 4 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) (LabCorp) Same day lab order delivery
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Synonyms:
IGF-1
SM-C/IGF-1
Somatomedin-C, Sulfation Factor
Estimated turnaround for results is 1 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
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.