Health Encyclopedia


Tests & Procedures

Growth Hormone with Stimulation (Blood)Hormona de crecimiento con estimulación (en sangre)

Growth Hormone with Stimulation (Blood)

Does this test have other names?


What is this test?





  • Insulin is the best way to stimulate GH. It's the most powerful GH stimulant and the most specific, but it isn't safe to use with everyone. Sometimes this test is called "insulin-induced hypoglycemia." If your doctor decides an insulin tolerance test is right for you or your child, blood samples are taken 30, 60, and 120 minutes after the insulin is given.

  • Arginine is given into a vein over a period of 30 minutes. Blood samples are taken every half hour at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Arginine can be given alone, or with a dose of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH).

  • Glucagon is a good choice for infants and young children because it's given right under the skin. Blood is taken between one and three hours, with a peak in GH expected between two and three hours.


Why do I need this test?

You might have this test if your doctor suspects that you have a growth hormone deficiency. Signs include:

  • Decreased bone density

  • Reduced muscle strength

  • Increased lipids, or fats in your blood

  • Increased fat in certain parts of your body

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Depression


  • Slow growth, or in the lower third percentile for height


  • Delayed puberty

What other tests might I have along with this test?




What do my test results mean?




Lower levels in children may be present from birth or they may be caused by head trauma, a tumor, or radiation therapy. If a low GH level is not caused by a damaged pituitary gland, sometimes the child outgrows it by adolescence or young adulthood. Your doctor may want to retest at different stages of your child's development.

How is this test done?


Does this test pose any risks?


When testing for GH deficiency, the insulin tolerance test is not recommended for anyone with a history of seizures, heart issues, or problems with blood vessels in the brain.

What might affect my test results?


How do I get ready for this test?

You will need to avoid eating or drinking anything but water the night before and the morning of the test. In addition, be sure your doctor knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illicit drugs you may use.


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