Growth Hormone (GH) Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to GH Test

The Growth Hormone (GH) test measures the growth hormone level in the blood, which is crucial for growth, metabolism, and overall body composition. The role of the growth hormone is to control metabolism, the technique of how your body uses food and energy. GH is made in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. This GH blood test is used to diagnose conditions related to abnormal GH levels, such as growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children and adults or gigantism and acromegaly in cases of excessive GH production.

GH plays a major role in child growth, muscle mass development, and height. It helps diagnose GHD in adults, which can lead to reduced muscle mass, energy levels, and overall quality of life. 

Children with short stature, slow growth, or delayed puberty should consider this test. Adults with symptoms like low bone density, increased fat, or poor exercise tolerance might also need to check their growth hormone levels.

Choose Redcliffe Labs for your GH Test to detect development issues promptly, get treated on time, and prevent complications. Our lab professionals are committed to providing the best diagnostic experience, ensuring all your needs are met with accurate, reliable, and convenient GH testing services.

Test details in brief

Purpose of the GH Test

The Growth Hormone lab test is used to detect the following GH Disorders including-

• GH Deficiency—GH is essential for the development and growth of children. A GH deficiency can cause a child to have trouble growing and make it shorter. In adults, a Growth hormone deficiency can cause low muscle bones and reduced muscle mass.
• Gigantism- This is a rare childhood condition/disorder that causes too much GH hormone in the body. Children with gigantism are very tall and have large hands and feet. 
• Acromegaly causes too much GH hormone in adults, causing the body to produce too much hormone. People with too much growth hormone have thicker bones, enlarged feet, and facial features.

If the condition is left untreated, both acromegaly and gigantism can lead to complications like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and decreased lifespan.

What are the Preparations required for the GH Test?

The sample is collected through a blood draw for a Growth Hormone (GH) test. Here is the procedure of the GH Test-

• Fasting—You do not need to fast before the GH Test. However, if you have any doubts, consult your doctor.
• Medication Review—Inform your doctor if you take any medications or supplements. Some medications can affect GH levels, so you might be advised not to take them at least 24 hours before the test.
• Physical Activity- Avoid strenuous exercise before the test. 

The procedure of the GH Test

Here is the complete procedure of the GH Blood Test- 

• Your lab professional will collect the blood sample from the vein of your arm. He will clean the site with an alcohol-based antiseptic solution and tie a tourniquet or band to the arm area to make the veins more visible.
• Next, he will draw the blood using a sterile needle into a vial or tube attached to the needle.
• After sample collection, the pressure is applied to the puncture site to stop bleeding, and a bandage is applied. You might experience minor bruising or soreness at the sample collection site.
• The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.

Why do I need a growth hormone test?

If you are experiencing the following issues, then it is time to take the growth hormone blood test from Redcliffe Labs-

• Slowed growth rate as compared to other children of the same age.
• Shorter heights, arms, and legs and lower weight than children of the same age.
• Small penis in males
• Delayed puberty
• Adults with GH deficiency may have symptoms of fatigue, as well as decreased bone density and muscle mass.

Symptoms of GH excess (Gigantism) in Children include:

• Excessive growth as compared to other children of the same age
• Larger than normal hands and feet
• Overly large head
• Mild and moderate obesity

Symptoms of GH excess (Acromegaly) in adults include-

• A deep, husky voice
• Larger than normal facial features such as nose, lips, and tongue
• Thickening of bones,
• Coarse, oily skin
• Irregular menstrual cycles in women
• Erectile dysfunction in men
• Excessive sweating and body odor

What do the GH Test results mean?

The GH test reports will be available with 60 hours of sample collection. The results of a Growth Hormone (GH) test can provide important insights into your body's growth hormone levels and help diagnose various conditions. Here's what the results might indicate:

Normal GH levels

• Children- Normal GH levels suggest normal growth and development. However, additional tests might be needed if growth concerns persist since GH levels fluctuate.
• Adults- Normal GH levels in adults indicate that the pituitary gland is functioning properly and maintaining adequate GH production.

Low GH Levels

If the GH levels don't increase to certain levels, it shows GH deficiency. However, if your child is identified with GH deficiency, then the doctors will recommend GH supplementation. These HGH supplements contain the human Growth hormone. However, if you diagnose the GH deficiency early, within 1 year of treatment, you can easily see the visible changes in your child's growth. Some people grow less, and some more, but the treatment will surely be beneficial. 

High GH Levels

If the GH levels do not decrease to certain levels in the GH suppression test, it means your child has gigantism or you have acromegaly.

• Children- Abnormally high GH levels in children may indicate gigantism, a condition that causes excessive growth. Early diagnosis is crucial to manage and control abnormal growth.
• Adults- High GH levels can suggest acromegaly, a condition that causes enlargement of bones in the face, hands, and feet. A pituitary tumor often causes this condition and may require treatment to control GH production.

Note that GH levels can also be influenced by sleep, exercise, and stress, so a healthcare provider should analyze the results based on your overall health and symptoms.

What is the normal range of the GH test?

The normal range of GH test results may vary from lab. Here are the GH results in the normal range- 

• Below 0.3 ng/mL for suppression tests
• Adults- Peak concentration above 4 ng/mL for stimulation tests
• Children- Peak concentration above 5 ng/mL for stimulation test

Is there any risk of GH test?

The Growth hormone blood test is a simple blood test with no or minimal risk. However, there might be some risks to GH tests, such as: 

• Excessive bleeding
• Risk of infection
• Hematoma
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Multiple puncture sites

How are abnormal GH levels Treated?

Abnormal GH levels can be treated once the causes are identified.

• Synthetic GH is available to treat deficiency.
• Combinations of surgery, radiation, and medication can be used to treat pituitary tumors that produce excess GH.

Consult your healthcare professional if you think that your child is growing slowly or has any developmental disorders. Your doctor might recommend the GH test to identify the cause of delayed growth. Early intervention can help ensure timely treatment. 

Who should take the GH Test?

Here is who should take the GH blood test-

• The children who do not grow 
• Adults with Human Growth hormone deficiency
• Children with symptoms of GH disorder like Shorter height, arms, and lower weight.

What is the GH Test price at Redcliffe Labs?

The GH test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 800. You can book your home sample collection using the Redcliffe Labs app or call us to book an appointment online. Our labs follow the highest quality standards as per NABL and ISO guidelines. The team of experienced Doctors, MD pathologists, and technicians ensure 100% report correctness in every test. We are trusted by more than 50,000 Doctors across India. We have a wide network of across 220+ cities with 80+ Labs, 2000+ Collection Centres. We promise you the report will be delivered on time. So what else do you need? Book your GH test home sample collection today!

Growth Hormone (GH) Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Growth Hormone (GH) Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Why Should You Choose Redcliffe Labs to Take the GH Test?

The Growth Hormone (GH) test helps assess the functioning of the pituitary gland and the body's ability to produce growth hormone. Abnormal GH levels can indicate various health conditions, including growth disorders in children, acromegaly in adults, and other hormonal imbalances that can impact overall well-being. The GH test is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment, ensuring a better quality of life and preventing long-term complications.

Choosing Redcliffe Labs for your GH test guarantees accuracy, reliability, and convenience. Redcliffe Labs is a trusted healthcare partner with state-of-the-art technology, highly trained professionals, and a commitment to delivering timely results. For more information on the GH test, to understand your results, or to schedule an appointment, visit the Redcliffe Labs website or contact their customer support. Taking proactive steps with your health today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.