Growth Hormone, Serum/Plasma — Response After Intravenous Insulin Stimulation
Measures growth hormone in blood after insulin is given intravenously. This timed stimulation test helps assess the body's growth-hormone response when growth hormone deficiency is suspected.
["This test checks whether the pituitary gland releases enough growth hormone after a controlled insulin-induced glucose drop."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 102029-6
- Short code
- GH^ post insulin IV post CFst SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH^ post insulin IV post CFst SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2.6
- Ref high
- 24.9
- Fasting
- true
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83525
- SNOMED
- 413618004
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This blood test measures the amount of growth hormone before and at timed intervals after insulin is given through a vein. The resulting growth-hormone response can help evaluate pituitary function.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered when short stature, slowed childhood growth, or another concern raises the possibility of growth hormone deficiency. It is generally used when other screening information has not provided a clear answer.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional gives insulin intravenously under close medical supervision, which intentionally lowers blood glucose for a short time. Blood samples are collected through a venous line to measure growth hormone and usually glucose at specified intervals.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's instructions about fasting and medications. Because the test can cause a significant but controlled fall in blood glucose, it should be performed only in a supervised medical setting; do not take extra insulin or alter medications unless your clinician directs you to do so.
Reference range
Fasting: 2.6-24.9 μIU/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A weaker-than-expected rise in growth hormone may suggest reduced pituitary hormone secretion, although factors such as nutrition, body composition, blood glucose, medications, and timing can affect the result. A normal response generally supports the ability to release growth hormone but does not rule out every pituitary disorder. The result should be interpreted by an endocrinologist alongside the clinical findings and other hormone tests.
Short name
Post-insulin growth hormone test
Frequently asked questions
Does the test intentionally lower my blood sugar?
Is this the same as a routine growth hormone blood test?
Is the insulin tolerance test safe?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy