GROWTH HORMONE STIMULATION TEST

A growth hormone stimulation test will be done to determine whether the pituitary gland is producing enough growth hormone (GH). 

The pituitary gland is a small gland in the brain that produces hormones. It releases hormones that affect the bloodstream’s growth. The pituitary’s growth hormone is stimulated into the bloodstream using medicine.

Growth hormone stimulation test protocol

The specific procedure can vary slightly, depending on which clinic or facility you will be conducting a growth hormone test. Furthermore, if you or a family member requests a GH stimulation test, the doctor would normally expect the following:

Preparation for the test

You will be told not to eat for ten to twelve hours prior to the test. In most cases, fluids, except for water, must also be avoided. Flavored water, breath mints, and gum are also off-limits.

Your doctor will let you know whether you need to stop taking any drugs prior to the examination. For instance, the following are medications that affect growth hormone levels:

  • estrogen
  • histamines
  • amphetamines
  • dopamine
  • corticosteroids

Your doctor must know if you feel ill and think you may have an infection. The doctor will request a rescheduling of the test.

How is the test performed?

  • The intravenous line is placed directly in your arm or hand by a healthcare expert. It works in a similar way to a blood test. The primary distinction is that an IV tube is attached to a tiny needle in the vein.
  • If the needle pierces your skin and bruises afterwards, you may experience some discomfort, but the risk and side effects are minimal.
  • You will take a blood sample first through the IV system. This was probably collected with the same IV line, and all subsequent specimens were.
  • The IV tends to give you a GH stimulant. This is typically a substance that promotes an increase in GH production. Some typical stimulants include insulin and arginine.
  • Next, your health provider will then take several blood samples from you on a regular basis. It typically takes three hours for the whole procedure.
  • After the test, professionals in the laboratory will see whether the expected GH has been produced in stimulant reaction and blood sample analysis.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]