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Growth Hormone
(a.k.a GH)
minimum sample volume required ~ 5ml
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No longer applicable as each patient is assessed individually.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
