Synonyms |
|
hGH
|
Clinical
Indications |
|
Random
Growth Hormone (GH) measurements are of limited value. Dynamic
tests are required for proper diagnosis. For investigation of
acromegaly a IGF1 level or growth
hormone suppression test is of greater value.
|
Request Form |
|
Combined Pathology Blood form
(Yellow/Black)
|
Availability |
|
Analysed by referral
laboratory if specific criteria met.
|
Specific
Criteria |
|
Requested
by Consultant Endorcrinologists or agreed with Consultant
Biochemist. Part of growth
hormone suppression test or GH stimulation tests (clonidine
or insulin).
|
Turnaround
Time |
|
Two
weeks.
|
|
Patient
Preparation |
|
It is advisable to avoid stress.
|
Specimen |
|
Serum
|
Volume |
|
1 ml
|
Container |
|
Yellow top (SST)
or Red top (Plain) tube
|
Lab. Handling |
|
Aliquot and
freeze at minus 20’C. Send
frozen in transport box to local referral laboratory. (GH & send;
NOGH & save).
|
Causes for
Rejection |
|
Not
meeting specific criteria for analysis. Unlabelled sample.
|
Reference
Range |
|
No
reference range, as GH is secreted in a pulsatile fashion.
However, results <0.8 ug/L suggest that GH excess is unlikely
and a result of >2 ug/L requires further follow-up (if not
known to have acromegaly).
|