Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 8 (IGFBP-8) Mass Concentration
This test measures the amount of IGFBP-8, a protein that helps regulate growth factors in your body. It may be used to assess hormone balance or metabolic health.
["IGFBP-8 helps control how growth factors work in your body, and levels can offer clues about certain health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 60005-6
- Short code
- IGF-I sp8 p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- IGF-I sp8 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms or conditions linked to growth factors, such as growth disorders, metabolic syndrome, or suspected endocrine issues. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions affecting hormone function or fluid balance.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may provide a blood sample during a routine clinic visit or lab draw. If you’re taking certain medications or have recent trauma, let your provider know to ensure accurate results.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab. The lab uses a specialized technique to measure IGFBP-8 levels in your serum or plasma. This protein is part of a complex system that influences cell growth and metabolism.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to general reference ranges, though individual values can vary based on age, sex, and health status. Elevated or low levels may signal underlying conditions that require further medical evaluation, such as growth hormone imbalances or metabolic disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
IGFBP-8 plays a role in transporting and regulating insulin-like growth factors, which are critical for growth, tissue repair, and metabolism. Abnormal levels may be associated with conditions like growth hormone deficiencies, metabolic syndrome, or certain cancers. It can also help monitor treatment responses in hormone-related therapies.
Short name
IGFBP-8
Frequently asked questions
What does a high IGFBP-8 level mean?
What does a low IGFBP-8 level mean?
Is fasting required for this test?
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