Insulin – like Growth Factor (IGF -1)
Report in 24Hrs
At Home
Details
Primarily produced in the liver in response to growth hormone (GH) stimulation
₹3199₹3850
17% OFF
1000+ Booked this Test
🧪 What is IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)?
IGF-1 is a hormone similar in molecular structure to insulin. It is primarily produced in the liver in response to growth hormone (GH) stimulation. IGF-1 promotes:
- Cellular growth and development
- Muscle and bone growth
- Tissue repair
It reflects the average daily secretion of growth hormone, as GH is secreted in pulses and is harder to assess directly.
❓ Why is the IGF-1 Test Done?
To:
- Evaluate growth disorders in children (short stature, delayed growth, gigantism)
- Assess pituitary function and growth hormone activity
- Diagnose and monitor acromegaly or gigantism
- Help diagnose GH deficiency in adults and children
- Monitor GH therapy response
📊 Normal Ranges (Approximate)
Age Group | IGF-1 Reference Range (ng/mL) |
|---|---|
Children (5–15 years) | 100 – 600 |
Adults (20–40 years) | 117 – 329 |
Adults (40–60 years) | 90 – 250 |
Elderly (>60 years) | 71 – 190 |
Values may vary by lab and sex; highest during puberty and decline with age.
📈 Interpretation of Results
Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
High IGF-1 | Suggests excess GH – likely acromegaly (adults) or gigantism (children) |
Low IGF-1 | Indicates GH deficiency, pituitary dysfunction, malnutrition, hypothyroidism, or liver disease |
Normal IGF-1 with abnormal symptoms | May require GH stimulation/suppression tests for confirmation |
🧠 Associated Organs & Conditions
Organ/System | Conditions |
|---|---|
Pituitary gland | Acromegaly, GH deficiency, pituitary adenoma |
Liver | IGF-1 production affected in liver cirrhosis, hepatitis |
Endocrine system | Hypopituitarism, hypothyroidism |
Musculoskeletal system | Affects growth, muscle mass, bone density |
🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests
- Growth Hormone (GH) – Baseline and stimulation/suppression tests
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) – GH suppression test for acromegaly
- MRI of the pituitary – If tumor is suspected
- Thyroid panel – Hypothyroidism may affect IGF-1
- Liver function tests – IGF-1 is synthesized in the liver
- Insulin and glucose levels – IGF-1 may affect insulin sensitivity
✅ Fasting Required?
Test | Fasting Requirement |
|---|---|
IGF-1 | ✅ Yes, fasting is recommended to reduce variability due to nutritional status |
📝 Summary Table
Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
What | Protein hormone regulated by GH; reflects average GH activity |
Why | Diagnose or monitor growth disorders, GH excess/deficiency, pituitary function |
Normal Range | Varies with age; peak in adolescence, declines with age |
High Result | Suggests acromegaly/gigantism, GH excess |
Low Result | GH deficiency, malnutrition, liver disease, hypothyroidism |
Follow-up Tests | GH test, OGTT, MRI pituitary, LFT, TSH |
Associated Organs | Pituitary, liver, endocrine glands |
Fasting Required | ✅ Yes |
How our test process works!
