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Ency. home > Test > G > Growth hormone

Growth hormone   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

GH

Definition:

A test that measures the amount of the growth hormone in blood.

How the Test is Performed

Adult or child:
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a tourniquet (an elastic band) or blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the tourniquet to distend (fill with blood). A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the tourniquet is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

Infant or young child:
The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

How to Prepare for the Test

Adults:
There is no special preparation.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

How the Test will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed

The growth hormone may be measured when there is abnormal growth in adults and children or when there is a history of a pituitary problem.

The growth hormone is released from the anterior pituitary gland.   Pituitary adenomas can produce excess growth hormone.  This can cause abnormal growth patterns called acromegaly in adults and gigantism in children.  Excess growth hormone can increase blood pressure and blood sugar

Individuals with growth hormone resistance or known pituitary disease may not produce enough growth hormone.  In children this can cause short stature.  In adults, growth hormone insufficiency can lead to changes in muslce mass, cholesterol levels and bone strength.

Ency. home > Test > G > Growth hormone

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