Growth Hormone Test Code

Have you received the results of your growth hormone analysis and found it difficult to interpret? The following article will explain the growth hormone test code and its implications, along with other codes for tests that your doctor may request alongside the growth hormone test.

Growth Hormone Test Code

Growth hormone is one of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland located in the brain, and it is essential for the growth and natural development of children. It also helps regulate the body's energy production rate from food, as well as the production of red blood cells and muscle mass in both adults and children.

Growth hormone analyses are not routine tests, and the doctor will only request them if they suspect that the pituitary gland is not functioning normally, and the growth hormone level is abnormal. Here is the growth hormone test code and its implications:

• Growth Hormone Serum Test

This code refers to the level of growth hormone in the serum, measuring the amount of growth hormone in the blood at the time of blood sampling only. However, it does not provide sufficient information to assist the doctor in diagnosing disorders because its levels fluctuate throughout the day.

The normal levels of growth hormone in serum are as follows:

• Children: 10 - 50 nanograms/mL.
• Adult males: 0.4 - 10 nanograms/mL.
• Adult females: 1 - 14 nanograms/mL.

• Growth Hormone Suppression Test

This code refers to a test, that the doctor orders to diagnose increased growth hormone in the blood. 

During this test, the specialist takes a blood sample after fasting for 10 - 12 hours to measure the growth hormone level. Then, the person is asked to drink a glucose solution, and blood samples are taken at specified intervals for two hours after drinking the solution, comparing the levels to the expected levels.  

In normal circumstances, glucose suppresses the pituitary gland's function and reduces growth hormone production.

• Growth Hormone Stimulation Test

This code refers to a test, that the doctor orders to diagnose growth hormone deficiency and pituitary gland failure. 

During this test, the specialist takes a blood sample after fasting for a certain period and measures the growth hormone level. Then, the patient is given a dose of medication that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone, and blood samples are drawn at specified intervals for more than two hours after taking the medication to measure the growth hormone level and compare it to the expected levels.

Doctors usually use the following medications to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone, which may be mentioned in the test, so it is necessary to clarify the codes related to them:

1. Clonidine.
2. Glucagon.
3. Arginine.

Other Codes Associated with Growth Hormone Test

In addition to the previous analyses, the doctor may request other tests to diagnose growth hormone disorders. The following are the analysis codes and their implications:

1. IGF-1 Test

This code refers to the insulin-like growth factor 1, and this test measures the level of IGF-1 in the blood. IGF-1 is a hormone that controls the effects of growth hormone in the body, as both work to promote the normal growth of tissues and bones. 

The level of this hormone is measured to determine if the body is producing a normal amount of growth hormone because its levels remain stable in the blood, while growth hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day depending on the diet and activity level.

2. IGFBP-3 Test

This code refers to insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, which is responsible for transporting insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The doctor requests this test to assist in diagnosing growth hormone deficiency or excess, and it is useful for children under 3 years old.

You can inquire about the growth hormone test code and request clarification of the test result from the Blazma team until you visit the doctor for an accurate diagnosis, as the above explanation does not replace consulting with a doctor.