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Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3)

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

IGFBP-3 is a protein that binds to insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and modulates their effects on cell growth and development. It is often used as a diagnostic tool to assess growth hormone levels.

Quick summary

IGFBP-3 is a protein that helps regulate growth hormone activity and is used diagnostically to assess growth hormone levels.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
mg/L
Clinical utility
diagnostic
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Roche IGFBP-3, Diagnostic Systems IGFBP-3
interpretation: {"text":"May indicate growth hormone deficiency, malnutrition, or other conditions affecting growth and development.","label":"Low Levels"}; {"text":"May suggest acromegaly, gigantism, or other disorders associated with excess growth hormone.","label":"High Levels"}

IGFBP-3 is the most abundant of the IGF binding proteins and plays a crucial role in regulating the bioavailability and function of IGFs, which are essential for normal growth and development.

Levels of IGFBP-3 are often measured to evaluate growth hormone deficiency or excess, as it reflects the integrated secretion of growth hormone over time.

The normal reference range for IGFBP-3 is typically between 2–5 mg/L, and deviations from this range can indicate various conditions related to growth hormone dysfunction.

Frequently asked questions

What factors can affect IGFBP-3 levels?
Age, gender, nutritional status, and certain medical conditions can all influence IGFBP-3 levels.
How is the IGFBP-3 test performed?
The test involves a simple blood draw, and the sample is analyzed in a laboratory to measure IGFBP-3 concentration.
  1. 1
    National Center for Biotechnology InformationSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic LaboratoriesSource

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy