Growth Hormone Test: Booking, Price and Results
About Growth Hormone Test: Booking, Price and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | GH Test, Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Test, Somatotropin Test, Somatotrophic Hormone Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | Yes, 8 to 12 hours of overnight fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 to 3 business days |
| Recommended For | All genders and age groups, including children, adolescents and adults, as advised by a doctor |
| Price | Starting at ₹780 |
What is a Growth Hormone Test?
A Growth Hormone Test measures the amount of growth hormone (GH) circulating in the blood. GH is produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain, and plays a key role in growth, metabolism and body composition. Also called the Somatotropin Test or HGH Test, it is typically prescribed when a doctor suspects an abnormality in GH production. The sample used is a small amount of blood drawn from a vein.
What Does a Growth Hormone Test Measure?
The Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Test measures the level of human growth hormone (HGH), also known as somatotropin, in the blood. GH has several important functions in the body, and understanding its level helps doctors assess pituitary health.
Here is what this test evaluates:
| Parameter | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| GH level in blood | Amount of growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland |
| Pituitary function | Whether the pituitary gland is secreting GH at adequate levels |
| Metabolic role | GH's influence on bone density, muscle mass and fat and glucose metabolism |
| Stimulation response | How much GH the pituitary releases when prompted (in stimulation tests) |
| Suppression response | Whether GH appropriately drops after a glucose load (in suppression tests) |
Because GH is released in pulses throughout the day and night, a single random reading is often paired with an insulin-like growth stimulation test, a growth hormone suppression test, and a growth hormone stimulation test to provide a fuller clinical picture.
Why is a Growth Hormone Test Done?
A doctor may order a Growth Hormone Test for several reasons, ranging from concerns about a child's growth to the investigation of symptoms in adults.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Slow growth or noticeably short stature in children
- Delayed puberty
- Enlarged hands, feet or facial features in adults
- Unexplained increase in body fat alongside reduced muscle mass
- Persistent fatigue and low energy
- Reduced bone density detected on other investigations
- Symptoms suggesting a pituitary tumour, such as persistent headaches or vision changes
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can assist in identifying a range of conditions related to GH production:
- Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children, which causes slower growth and shorter stature than expected for age
- GH deficiency in adults, which can reduce bone density and muscle mass
- Gigantism, a rare childhood condition caused by excess GH that results in very tall stature and large hands and feet
- Acromegaly in adults, usually caused by a non-cancerous tumour in the pituitary gland that leads to too much GH
- Hypopituitarism, where the pituitary gland is underactive
- Pituitary tumours
Growth Hormone Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients already diagnosed with acromegaly or GH deficiency, this test is used to track how well treatment is working. Those on GH replacement therapy or being treated for pituitary tumours may need periodic testing to assess their response. Doctors use the results alongside clinical symptoms to guide ongoing management.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation is straightforward, but following the guidelines below helps ensure an accurate result.
Do You Need to Fast?
Yes, fasting is required. You should avoid eating or drinking anything other than water for 8 to 12 hours before your test. For stimulation tests specifically, a 10- to 12-hour fast is recommended.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep these points in mind ahead of your appointment:
- Rest for at least 30 minutes before sample collection, as physical activity can raise GH levels
- Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of the test
- Stop taking biotin (vitamin B7) supplements at least 72 hours before the test, as biotin can interfere with results
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as some may need to be paused before the test
- Stay well-hydrated with water unless otherwise advised
- Wear a loose-sleeved top for easy access during the blood draw
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean the skin on your inner arm with an antiseptic solution.
- A soft tourniquet is placed around your upper arm to make the vein easier to locate.
- A fine needle is gently inserted into a vein, usually at the crook of the elbow, to draw a small blood sample.
- The blood is collected into a serum gel tube and labelled for the laboratory.
- The needle is removed, and light pressure is applied to the site, then a small bandage is applied.
- The sample is dispatched to an NABL-accredited laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence GH levels at the time of testing:
- Time of day (GH peaks mostly during the night)
- Recent physical exercise or emotional stress
- Quality and duration of sleep the night before
- Obesity, which can reduce the GH response in stimulation tests
- Biotin supplements or certain medications
- Dehydration
- Age, as GH levels naturally decline over time
Understanding Your Growth Hormone Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed alongside your symptoms, age, and medical history by a qualified doctor. The table below shows general reference ranges used in interpreting a Growth Hormone Test.
| Group | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Adult males (random) | 0.05 to 3 | ng/mL |
| Adult females (random) | 0.05 to 8 | ng/mL |
| Children | 10 to 50 | ng/mL |
| Stimulation test, children (peak) | Greater than 5 | ng/mL |
| Stimulation test, adults (peak) | Greater than 4 | ng/mL |
| Suppression test, acromegaly (nadir) | Less than 0.3 after 75 g glucose | ng/mL |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- Obesity can reduce the GH response seen in stimulation tests, even in people without a true deficiency.
- Stress temporarily raises GH levels, which may affect a random blood draw.
- GH is secreted in pulses, with the strongest surges occurring during deep sleep, so the time of collection matters significantly.
- GH levels decline naturally with age, which can affect how results are interpreted in older adults.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general lifestyle habits can help support the body's natural GH production:
- Prioritise good-quality sleep, as the majority of GH is released during deep sleep
- Engage in regular physical activity, since exercise stimulates GH secretion
- Maintain a healthy body weight through balanced nutrition, as excess body fat can blunt GH production
- Manage stress through relaxation practices such as breathing exercises or yoga.
Lupin Diagnostics Growth Hormone Test Price and Home Collection
The Growth Hormone Test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹780, with home sample collection offered across major Indian cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Chennai | ₹780 |
| Delhi | ₹780 |
| Mumbai | ₹780 |
| Bengaluru | ₹780 |
| Hyderabad | ₹780 |
| Kolkata | ₹780 |
| Pune | ₹780 |
| Ahmedabad | ₹780 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) Test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics, making it convenient to get tested from the comfort of your home. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Your digital report is delivered to you within 1 to 3 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
GH is released into the blood in short pulses throughout the day, with the highest levels occurring at night. Because levels fluctuate so much, a single measurement is difficult to interpret reliably. Stimulation or suppression tests, which take multiple readings over a set period, are more appropriate for confirming a diagnosis.
A GH stimulation test checks whether the pituitary gland can produce enough GH when prompted. Under close medical supervision, a substance is given intravenously that normally triggers GH release. Blood samples are drawn at timed intervals to see whether GH levels rise as expected. This is a standard approach for diagnosing GH deficiency.
A GH suppression test is used when excess GH is suspected, such as in acromegaly. You drink a glucose solution, and blood samples are taken at intervals to check whether GH levels fall appropriately. If GH does not suppress, it suggests overproduction by the pituitary gland.
Fast for 8 to 12 hours before your test, and avoid strenuous exercise on the day of your test. Rest for at least 30 minutes before the blood draw. Stop biotin supplements 72 hours in advance and let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, as some may need to be temporarily paused.
Yes. The Somatotropin Test is commonly used for children when there are concerns about growth patterns, short stature or delayed puberty. It is a routine diagnostic tool for paediatric growth disorders and is safe for children of all ages when ordered by a doctor.
Discomfort is minimal. You or your child may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted, and there may be slight tenderness or a small bruise at the site afterwards. These effects typically resolve quickly. The procedure itself takes only a few minutes.
Once your sample is collected and processed, Lupin Diagnostics will deliver your report digitally via email or WhatsApp within 1 to 3 business days. You can then share the report directly with your doctor for interpretation and any further steps.
Growth Hormone Test: Booking, Price and Results
