Serum/plasma mass concentration of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3)
This test measures the amount of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) in your blood. IGFBP3 helps regulate how insulin-like growth factors interact with cells, which can influence growth, metabolism, and tissue repair.
["IGFBP3 levels may be checked to assess hormone balance, metabolic health, or potential genetic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 59998-5
- Short code
- IGF BP3 sp6 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- IGF BP3 sp6 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- hormone
- 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
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms or conditions linked to abnormal IGFBP3 levels, such as growth disorders, metabolic syndrome, or certain genetic disorders affecting hormone function. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions like acromegaly, diabetes, or kidney disease.
What Does This Test Measure?
IGFBP3 is a protein that binds to insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in the blood. It plays a role in controlling how these growth factors affect cells, influencing processes like growth, repair, and metabolism. Elevated or low levels may indicate underlying health concerns.
Sample Collection and Preparation
For this test, a blood sample is typically drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected in a special tube and sent to a lab for analysis. You may be asked to fast for a certain period before the test, depending on your provider’s instructions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually required, but your provider may advise you to avoid certain medications or foods that could affect test results. If you have a history of bleeding disorders or take blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal IGFBP3 levels may signal conditions such as: - **Hormonal imbalances** (e.g., related to growth hormone or IGF pathways), - **Metabolic disorders** (e.g., diabetes or insulin resistance), - **Genetic syndromes** (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome or other IGF-related genetic conditions), - **Kidney disease** (since IGFBP3 is filtered by the kidneys). While IGFBP3 alone is not diagnostic, it can help guide further testing or treatment planning when combined with clinical findings.
Short name
IGFBP3 Level
Frequently asked questions
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
What Are Common Causes of High or Low IGFBP3 Levels?
Can Diet or Lifestyle Affect IGFBP3 Levels?
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