: Growth Hormone Provocative Testing Panel - Triple Bolus with Serum/Plasma Mass Concentration
: This panel measures growth hormone levels in serum or plasma at multiple time points after sequential stimulation with three agents (commonly insulin, arginine, and clonidine or glucagon) to assess growth hormone reserve.
[": The triple bolus test combines three stimulation agents to more reliably assess whether the pituitary can release adequate growth hormone."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40334-5
- Short code
- GH pre Triple Bolus SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- GH pre Triple Bolus SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 This Test Measures
: The test measures the mass concentration of growth hormone (GH) in your blood at baseline and at intervals after each stimulating agent is given. Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and helps regulate growth, muscle, and metabolism.
: Why Three Agents Are Used
: Because GH is released in pulses, a single stimulus may not reliably provoke a rise. Using a sequence of three different stimulants (a "triple bolus") increases the chance of detecting normal pituitary reserve and reduces false results.
: How the Test Is Performed
: A small tube (catheter) is usually placed in a vein so blood can be drawn repeatedly without extra needle sticks. Baseline blood is collected, then each agent is administered in sequence, with timed blood samples drawn afterward. You are typically monitored throughout for blood sugar and safety.
: How to Prepare
: You will usually be asked to fast overnight before the test. Tell your care team about all medications, since some drugs can affect growth hormone results. Plan for the test to take several hours, and arrange for someone to drive you home.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: This test helps evaluate suspected growth hormone deficiency or excess and pituitary function. Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms, other hormone tests, and imaging. Abnormal results do not by themselves diagnose a condition; an endocrinologist reviews the full picture, and reference values vary by laboratory and protocol.
Short name
: GH Triple Bolus Test
Frequently asked questions
: Does the triple bolus test hurt?
: Can I take my regular medications before this test?
: When will I get my results?
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