IGF-1 blood test
Explanation
IGF-1 stands for insulin-like growth factor 1. It is a hormone, a chemical messenger, that helps growth hormone support bone and tissue growth. A blood test measures its level.
Why measure IGF-1 rather than growth hormone alone?
Growth hormone levels rise and fall during the day. IGF-1 is more stable, so it helps clinicians assess growth-hormone activity. The test can be used when investigating growth problems or monitoring an established condition.
How should the number be read?
The expected level changes with age and is normally higher around puberty. Compare the result with the age-appropriate range on the report.
An unusual result does not by itself establish the cause or diagnose a tumour. The clinician considers symptoms, growth or body changes, and other findings. Sometimes a separate test checks how growth hormone responds to a substance that stimulates or suppresses its release.
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