IGF-1 Test - Price Purpose, Need, Procedure, Results & More

Table of Content

Introduction to IGF-1 Test

IGF-1 refers to insulin-like growth factor 1. IGF-1 is a hormone mainly produced in the liver, skeletal muscles, and many other tissues in response to GH stimulation. It plays a critical role in growth and development, making this test an important marker of GH activity in the body. Since IGF-1 levels are stable throughout the day, it provides a more reliable measure of GH status.

The IGF-1 test measures the amount of IGF-1 in your blood. IGF-1 is a hormone that acts as a chemical messenger in your blood that controls the actions of certain cells or organs. IGF-1 also manages the effects of growth hormone (GH) in your body. IGF-1 and GH hormones promote the normal growth of bones and tissues.

The test is important for diagnosing growth disorders in children, such as gigantism or growth hormone deficiency, and conditions in adults, like acromegaly or pituitary dysfunction. It can also help monitor treatment effectiveness for GH-related disorders.

However, your doctors may recommend the IGF-1 test if you have any symptoms of abnormal growth, such as slow growth in children or acromegaly in adults. The test may also be advised for adults with unexplained fatigue, decreased bone density, or other signs of GH deficiency.

If you are looking for a professional, reliable lab to get your IGF-1 test, choose Redcliffe Labs for the best results. The professionals here will provide you with the best services and the fastest report delivery.

Test details in brief

What is the Purpose of the IGF-1 Test?

The IGF-1 blood test is used to detect the following conditions-

• Assess Growth Hormone (GH) Levels—IGF-1 levels reflect the amount of GH produced by the pituitary gland. They help diagnose growth hormone deficiencies or excesses.
• Monitor Growth Hormone Therapy—The test helps to monitor the effectiveness of growth hormone treatment.
• Evaluate Pituitary Function—Since IGF-1 is regulated by growth hormone, this test can help assess the pituitary gland's function.
• Diagnose Insulin Resistance- Abnormal IGF-1 levels can also be associated with insulin resistance and metabolic conditions like diabetes.

What is being tested in the IGF-1 Test?

GH levels in the blood change throughout the day, depending on your diet and activity levels.

However, IGF-1 levels are more stable. Therefore, measuring the level of IGF-1 in the blood is a reliable way to track GH in the body.

Levels of IGF-1 and HGH hormone change throughout your life. They-

• Are normally low during childhood.
• Increase during puberty.
• Decrease once you are an adult.

IGF-1 and Growth Deficiency

IGF-1 levels, like GH, are normally low during childhood or infancy, increase gradually during childhood, peak during puberty, and then decline in adulthood. However, the deficiencies of GH and IGF-1 may be caused by:

• A dysfunctional pituitary gland with decreased pituitary hormones (hypopituitarism).
• A non-GH-producing pituitary tumor damages cells that produce hormones.
• A lack of responsiveness to GH. This insensitivity may be primary or secondary to conditions like malnutrition, hypothyroidism, sex hormone deficiency, kidney disease, liver disease, and congenital syndromes.

IGF-1 deficiency can inhibit bone growth and overall growth development. It results in a child with a shorter-than-normal stature. It causes low bone density, less muscle mass, and altered lipid levels in adults.

IGF-1 and Growth Hormone Excess

The excess of GH and IGF-1 can cause abnormal growth of the skeleton. The symptoms characterize the two rare conditions, gigantism and acromegaly. These are generally due to pituitary adenoma, a slow-growing, often benign tumor. This causes the pituitary to release the excess GH. The tumor can be surgically removed and treated with drugs or radiation. However, in most cases, GH and IGF-1 levels return to normal or near-normal levels.

In children, gigantism causes longer bones, resulting in tall people with large feet and hands. In adults, acromegaly causes thick and soft tissues, as seen with the swelling of the nose.

However, in contrast to gigantism, adults with acromegaly do not grow tall. Both conditions can cause enlarged organs (heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, thyroid/parathyroid glands, pancreas) and other complications like type 2 diabetes, higher risk of CVDs, high blood pressure, arthritis, and decreased lifespan.

What preparations are required For the IGF-1 Test? 

The test requires no or minimal preparation before the test. Here are certain things you must keep in mind before the test-

• Fasting- No fasting is required for the test. You can eat as per your routine before the IGF-1 est.
• Medication Review—Inform your doctor if you take medications, supplements, or treatments, as certain drugs can affect IGF-1 levels.
• Avoid Strenuous Exercise—Heavy exercise can temporarily affect IGF-1 levels, so it is advisable to avoid it before the test.

Your doctor may provide additional instructions based on your health condition. Follow these to ensure accurate test results.

What happens during an IGF-1 Test?

The procedure of an IGF-1 blood test is simple. The process is unlike another blood test; you need to follow instructions-

• The phlebotomist will take the blood sample from the vein in your arm. He will ask you to fold your sleeves and tie a tourniquet around the arm area. After that, he will clean the arm area with an antiseptic solution before collecting the sample.
• Next, he will insert a sterile needle into the vein to collect the blood sample.
• He will then collect the sample into a vial of tubes. You might feel sting-like pain when the needle goes in or out. The sample collection will take less than five minutes.
• The reports will be shared in 4 days of sample collection.

What do the IGF-1 Test reports indicate?

The IGF-1 test report provides insights into growth hormone activity in the body. Here's what the results generally indicate:

Decreased IGF-1 Levels

Low levels of IGF-1 can indicate:

• Growth Hormone Deficiency: 

A deficiency in GH hormone is often seen in children with slow growth or adults with low energy, muscle weakness, or poor bone density.

• Hypopituitarism: 

This is a condition in which your pituitary gland doesn't produce enough hormones, including growth hormone.

• Malnutrition or Chronic Illness: 

Low IGF-1 levels may also be seen in people who are suffering from malnutrition or any chronic illnesses like liver disease.

• Aging: 

IGF-1 levels naturally decrease with age, especially in adults over 40.

• Thyroid Disorders: 

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can lead to reduced IGF-1 levels.

Increased IGF-1 Levels

High levels of IGF-1 can indicate:

• Acromegaly 

Elevated IGF-1 levels in adults can suggest acromegaly, a condition caused by excessive growth hormone that leads to enlarged bones, hands, feet, and facial features.

• Gigantism 

In children, high IGF-1 levels indicate gigantism, characterized by abnormally rapid growth due to excessive growth hormone production.

• Pituitary Tumors 

Increased IGF-1 can be caused by a pituitary tumor (adenoma) that leads to the overproduction of growth hormone.

• Insulin Resistance or Diabetes 

Elevated IGF-1 levels may be linked to insulin resistance or metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes.

• Pregnancy 

IGF-1 levels can naturally rise during pregnancy due to increased growth hormone activity.

Consult your reports with your doctors, as they may help you interpret your results and advise you on the necessary actions to take for further assessment and treatment decisions.

Who should take the IGF-1 Test?

IGF-1 testing may be ordered when:

• If you are suspected of GH deficiency.
• A child has symptoms of GH deficiency, such as slowed growth rate and short stature.
• Pituitary Gland Disorders
• Patients with ongoing Growth Hormone Therapy
• Insulin Resistance or Metabolic Concerns
• People with metabolic issues like insulin resistance or pre-diabetes may need the IGF-1 test, as abnormal levels can be associated with these conditions.

Why do you need to get the IGF-1 Test?

Your Doctor may advise you to take the IGF-1 blood test if you or your child has the symptoms of GH disorder. These are-

Symptoms of GH deficiency include:

• Slowed growth rate as compared to children of the same age.
• Thin hair
• Poor nail growth
• Shorter height, arms, and legs, and low body weight.
• Small penis in males

Adults with GH deficiency may feel fatigued, and their density and muscle mass may decrease.

Symptoms of GH excess (gigantism) in kids include:

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

Symptoms of GH excess (Acromegaly) in adults include:

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

What Conditions Does the IGF-1 Blood Test Help to Detect?

IGF-1 Test is used to monitor (GH) growth hormone disorders, including:

• GH deficiency- GH is crucial for normal growth and development in children. A GH deficiency can lead to slow growth in children of the same age. In adults, GH deficiency can cause low bone density and reduced muscle mass.
• GH insensitivity—This is also known as Laron syndrome. It is a rare genetic disorder in which the body is unable to produce growth hormones. It commonly causes slowed growth rates in children and shorter-than-normal height.
• Gigantism- This is a rare childhood disorder caused when your body produces too much growth hormone. Children with gigantism have very tall and large hands and feet.
• Acromegaly- This condition occurs when the body produces too much growth hormone. Adults with acromegaly have thicker than normal bones and enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.

What is the IGF-1 Test price at Redcliffe Labs?

The IGF-1 test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 4300. You can book your appointment online or call our customer representatives to book your test. Our labs adhere to the highest quality standards per NABL & ISO guidelines. The experienced Doctors, MD Pathologists, and technicians follow the Six Sigma processes and guarantee 100% report correctness. Our labs have fully automated machines with the latest technology, ensuring multiple quality checks across all touchpoints throughout the customer lifecycle.

We have a wide range of networks covering 220+ cities, 80+ Labs, and 2000+ Collection Centres. Our doctors are trusted by more than 50,000 Doctors across India. What more do you need? Ask us. Call us today to book your IGF-1 test!

Insulin Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Insulin Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Book your IGF-1 Test from Redcliffe Labs Today!

The IGF-1 blood test evaluates growth hormone levels and diagnoses various growth-related disorders, metabolic issues, and pituitary gland dysfunctions. So, if you're experiencing fatigue, slow growth, or abnormal body changes, this test can provide insights into your body's growth hormone activity. Early detection of conditions like growth hormone deficiency, acromegaly, or insulin resistance can help you get better treatment and recovery options.

Taking the IGF-1 test is important if you are experiencing symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, abnormal growth patterns in children, or facial and body enlargement in adults. However, if you get your test done early, you can prevent further complications like gigantism or hypopituitarism.

By booking your IGF-1 test with Redcliffe Labs, you benefit from timely sample collection, accurate reporting, and expert diagnostic services. With a team of experienced professionals, Redcliffe Labs ensures a seamless and convenient testing experience, helping you take the right steps toward managing your health.

Don't wait for symptoms to worsen—schedule your IGF-1 blood test with Redcliffe Labs today and take charge of your well-being!