Diagnostics·Diagnostics
IGF-1 blood test
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
The IGF-1 blood test measures the level of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in your blood. IGF-1 is a hormone that helps control growth and development. This test is often used to check for problems with your pituitary gland, such as too much or too little growth hormone.
Key facts
- IGF-1 levels change throughout the day and are affected by age, sex, and nutrition.
- The test is usually done in the morning after an overnight fast.
- It is not a routine screening test; it is ordered when a doctor suspects a growth hormone disorder.
The IGF-1 test itself is a common test in endocrinology, but the conditions it helps diagnose—like acromegaly or growth hormone deficiency—are relatively rare.
It affects people of all ages. Children with growth problems, adults with symptoms of acromegaly (enlarged features), and those being treated for growth hormone disorders may need this test.