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Blood Sciences

Blood Test Information

Growth Hormone
(a.k.a GH)
minimum sample volume required ~ 5ml

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Test Code: GH

Tube type: SST

Other acceptable tube types
Lithium heparin (pale green)

Special instructions
None
Sent away to Bristol Royal Infirmary

Reference range
No longer applicable as each patient is assessed individually. However, in response to OGTT, a GH <0.1 µg/L indicates full suppression.

Units
µg/L

Turnaround Time
7 days

Department: Biochemistry

Clinical Application
Growth hormone (GH) is produced by the anterior pituitary and its secretion is stimulated by growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), insulin, ghrelin, exercise and hypoglycaemia. The release of GH is suppressed in response to hyperglycaemia, somatostatin and by drugs such as beta-blockers.

A single, random GH measurement is of little clinical utility due to its pulsatile release. Measurement of growth hormone may be useful as part of a dynamic function test in the diagnosis of suspected acromegaly, or GH deficiency. However, IGF-1 measurement is the recommended initial investigation.

Please note: From 13/11/23 new method for GH analysis at Bristol Royal Infirmary. Results are expected to be lower than the previous assay.

Webpage updated: March 2024

 
 

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