📌 What is the IGF-1 / Somatomedin-C Test?
A blood test that measures levels of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), also called Somatomedin-C.
IGF-1 is a hormone primarily produced by the liver in response to growth hormone (GH).
Plays a key role in growth, development, and metabolism.
Used to evaluate growth hormone activity and diagnose related disorders.
🎯 Purpose of the Test
✅ Diagnoses growth hormone (GH) deficiency or excess.
✅ Helps detect pituitary gland disorders.
✅ Assists in diagnosing gigantism (in children) or acromegaly (in adults) caused by excess GH.
✅ Evaluates growth issues in children (short stature, delayed puberty).
✅ Monitors growth hormone therapy effectiveness.
📊 Normal Ranges (May vary by age, sex, and laboratory)
🔹 Children & Adolescents: 100 - 600 ng/mL (varies by age and puberty stage)
🔹 Adults: 50 - 300 ng/mL
🔹 High IGF-1 Levels: May indicate acromegaly, gigantism, excess GH production, or certain tumors.
🔹 Low IGF-1 Levels: May suggest growth hormone deficiency, pituitary dysfunction, or malnutrition.
📝 Test Procedure
1️⃣ A blood sample is drawn from a vein.
2️⃣ The sample is analyzed using immunoassay techniques to measure IGF-1 levels.
3️⃣ Results are used alongside growth hormone stimulation or suppression tests for diagnosis.
⚠️ Who Should Get Tested?
🔹 Children with abnormal growth patterns (too short or growing too fast).
🔹 Adults with suspected acromegaly or GH deficiency.
🔹 Individuals with pituitary gland disorders.
🔹 Patients undergoing growth hormone therapy for monitoring.
✅ Why is This Test Important?
✔️ Helps in early detection of growth hormone disorders.
✔️ Assists in monitoring GH therapy effectiveness.
✔️ Guides treatment for pituitary and metabolic conditions.