IGF-binding Protein 8 (IGFBP-8) Substance Concentration in Serum or Plasma by Electrophoresis
This test measures the substance concentration of IGF-binding protein 8 (IGFBP-8), a protein that binds insulin-like growth factors, in a blood sample (serum or plasma) using electrophoresis.
["The test reports the concentration of IGFBP-8 in serum or plasma, which can be relevant when evaluating growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor signaling."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25770-9
- Short code
- IGF sp8 p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- IGF sp8 p chal SerPl-sCnc
- 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
What Is IGF-Binding Protein 8?
IGFBP-8 is a member of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein family. These proteins attach to IGF hormones in the blood and help regulate how these hormones interact with cells and tissues throughout the body. The exact role of IGFBP-8 is less well established than that of other family members, but it is believed to participate in modulating IGF activity.
How the Test Is Performed
A small sample of blood is collected from a vein, usually in the arm, and processed to obtain serum or plasma. The laboratory then uses an electrophoresis-based technique to separate and quantify the IGFBP-8 in the sample. Electrophoresis sorts proteins by physical properties such as charge and size, allowing the laboratory to measure the target protein.
What the Results Mean
Results reflect the concentration of IGFBP-8 in the specimen. Because this is a specialized measurement, results are typically interpreted by a clinician alongside other hormone tests, symptoms, and clinical history. No single result should be read in isolation, and your care team will explain what the level means for your situation.
Why Your Doctor May Order It
This test may be requested when a clinician is evaluating aspects of growth hormone or IGF signaling, or as part of research or specialized endocrine assessment. It is not a routine screening test for most patients, so your provider will explain the specific reason it was ordered for you.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
IGFBP-8 belongs to a family of proteins that regulate the availability and action of insulin-like growth factors, which influence growth, metabolism, and tissue repair. Measuring its concentration can contribute information in specialized evaluations of growth and endocrine function, but its clinical utility is still being defined, so results should always be interpreted in the full clinical context.
Short name
IGFBP-8
Frequently asked questions
Does this test require fasting?
Is this test the same as an IGF-1 test?
Can I get results from a home test kit?
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