IGF-I - serum
Last updated: Wednesday, 17, March, 2004
| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | 5 mL blood in a plain tube. |
| Method | Immunoassay. |
| Reference Interval | Varies with age, gender and pubertal status. Adult: 13-50 nmol/L. |
| Application | Diagnosis of acromegaly or gigantism. Diagnosis of Laron dwarfism. Limited value in the assessment of growth hormone deficiency or nutritional status. |
| Interpretation | Levels are increased in acromegaly, and the test is used in the initial assessment of patients, prior to a growth hormone suppression test. Its diagnostic value is limited at the time of puberty, during malnutrition and with severe illness. In Laron dwarfism growth hormone is not reduced but IGF-I is reduced. Low IGF-I has been used as a test for protein malnutrition but interpretation is difficult in view of changes in plasma IGF-binding proteins. |
| Reference | Brabant G. Eur J Endocrinol 2003; 148:2: 15-20. |