Growth hormone (TOWN) – determination of the level of growth hormone

Description of measurement of growth hormone levels

Testing for HGH (TOWN) carried out to measure the level of human growth hormone in the blood. TOWN – a hormone, produced by the pituitary gland – железой в головном brain. Your doctor may prescribe one of the following tests, If you have symptoms, which indicate an abnormal number of GH:

• Samples suppressing GH secretion – measured amount of growth hormone, when there is a suspicion, that the pituitary gland does not produce GH;
• Стимуляционный тест – measuring the ability of the pituitary gland secrete GH.

There are many factors, that can interfere with GH testing. Stress, physical activity, taking certain medications and blood glucose levels – All this can cause changes in the level of GH. For this reason, GH tests are often held in conjunction with the measurement of the levels of other hormones, например IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1).

Reasons for measuring the level of growth hormone

Samples with suppression of growth hormone secretion conducted:

• For children, who show signs of gigantism;
• For adults, if there are signs akromegalii (abnormally large bone growth);
• To check the function of variations in the pituitary;
• Если подозревается опухоль гипофиза – It is also carried out in conjunction with other tests, на определение IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), which does not change with time;
• To monitor the effectiveness of drugs to replace GR (usually held in conjunction with the IGF-1 testing).

GH Stimulation tests are conducted:

• For children, which is very small for his age;
• When testing the thyroid gland eliminates problems with it, but growth is slower, than expected;
• To check the function of variations in the pituitary;
• For children, to which the radiation therapy;
• For children, whose bones develop abnormally;
• For adults with symptoms of muscular weakness, lack of energy, with thin skin, weak bones, as well as having other symptoms, that indicate a lack of growth hormone.

How to measure the level of growth hormone?

Preparation for the procedure

To prepare for the procedure, most patients need to:

• Reduce physical activity for 10-12 hours before the test;
• If there is an indication of a doctor, you need to stop taking the medication before the test;
• Ninety minutes before the test, you need to relax and unwind, and avoid physical activity.

Description of the procedures for measuring the level of growth hormone

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Place the needle will be cleared. Around the shoulder will be placed rubber band, после чего в вену вставляется игла. Blood will be collected into a syringe. After, filled syringe, the needle is removed from the skin. Place a puncture pressed.

Samples with suppression of growth hormone secretion

Blood will be selected during the period from 6 to 8 am. You will be asked to drink a solution of water and glucose (sugar). Glucose must reduce GH levels in the blood. Two more blood samples are taken within one to two hours after the consumption of the solution. Each blood sample will be measured by the level of GH. It can also be measured by the level of IGF-1, since it does not change so much, the level of GH.

Stimulation tests

Test of tolerance to insulin

Blood samples will be selected in different time intervals (five samples). A first sample for blood glucose determination, cortisol, and growth hormone will be selected during the period from 6 to 8 am. Затем через капельницу вводится инсулин. Insulin is to lower blood glucose levels, which should increase the level of GH. Blood samples will be collected through 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes, to re-determine the levels of glucose, cortisol and growth hormone.

If the blood sugar level does not fall below a certain level, through 45 min administered repeated doses of insulin. Blood samples will be selected through 75 and 150 minutes. If the blood sugar level drops too low, to restore it applies drip with glucose.

Growth hormone – releasing hormone, arginine, growth hormone – releasing peptide

Blood samples are taken five times at different intervals. The first sample is taken during the period from 6 to 8 am. Through 30 minutes will be put through the IV arginine or GH-releasing peptide. Thereafter intravenously injected GH-releasing hormone, which should stimulate the pituitary gland to GH. The next four blood sampling carried out every 30 minutes after the infusion.

After Test

You can do daily activities.

How long will the procedure for measuring the level of growth hormone?

The procedure often takes at least three hours,.

Will it hurt?

Maybe a little discomfort, when the needle is inserted into the skin and infused drugs. The doctor will watch the tolerance to insulin, because excess insulin can cause a decrease in blood sugar.

The results of measuring the level of growth hormone

The doctor will tell you the test results. Maybe, It needs further examination or treatment.

Contact your doctor when measuring the level of growth hormone

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Symptoms of infection, including fever and chills;
• Severe redness, pain or discharge from the site of injection needles and infusion drugs.