Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP3) Mass Concentration

Your doctor may order this test if you or your child are growing faster or slower than expected, or if symptoms suggest the body is producing too much or too little growth hormone. It is also used to evaluate how well the pituitary gland is working and to follow children who are receiving growth hormone therapy.

Your healthcare provider may order this test if they suspect a condition related to growth hormone imbalance, such as growth hormone deficiency, acromegaly, or metabolic disorders. It may also be used to monitor treatment progress for conditions affecting growth or metabolism.

This test measures the level of IGFBP3, a protein made mainly by the liver, in your blood. IGFBP3 binds to IGF-1 and carries it through the bloodstream, so its level reflects how active your growth hormone system is. Abnormal results can point to problems with growth hormone production or how your body responds to it.

IGFBP3 is a protein that binds to insulin-like growth factors in the blood. It helps control how these growth factors influence cell growth and function. Elevated or low levels may indicate underlying health concerns.

A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm, usually at the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. In most cases no special preparation is needed, and you can eat and drink normally beforehand. Let your healthcare provider know about any medicines or supplements you take, since some of them can affect the results.

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is processed to separate serum (the liquid part after clotting) for testing. This test does not require fasting.

This test is commonly used to monitor conditions such as growth hormone deficiency, short stature or slow growth in children, unusually rapid growth, acromegaly in adults, and malnutrition or chronic illness that can lower IGFBP3 levels. It also helps track how well growth hormone treatment is working over time.

IGFBP3 levels can be part of evaluations for conditions like pituitary disorders, metabolic syndrome, or monitoring responses to growth hormone therapy.