Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | IGF-1 Test, Somatomedin C Test, SM-C Test, Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | Not usually required; morning collection may be preferred for consistency |
| Report Time | 3 to 5 business days |
| Recommended For | Children with growth concerns, adults with suspected pituitary disorders; all ages, both genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹3,500 |
What is an Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Test?
The Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Test measures the level of IGF-1, a hormone that carries out many of the effects of growth hormone (GH) in the body. Since IGF-1 levels stay stable throughout the day, unlike GH, which rises and falls in pulses, this test gives a more reliable picture of how much growth hormone your body is producing. It is also known as the IGF-1 Test, Somatomedin C Test, or SM-C Test. A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm is all that is needed.
What Does an Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Test Measure?
This test measures a single key hormone. The table below explains what it is and why it matters:
| Parameter | What It Is | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) | A hormone produced mainly by the liver in response to growth hormone signals | Reflects average GH activity; helps assess bone growth, muscle development, and tissue repair |
Because IGF-1 mirrors GH activity over time rather than at a single point, it is the preferred marker for evaluating growth hormone-related disorders in both children and adults.
Why is an Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Test Done?
Doctors order the IGF-1 Test when they suspect a problem with growth hormone production or when monitoring treatment for a known condition.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may request an IGF-1 test:
- Slower-than-expected growth or shorter height compared to peers in children
- Excessive or unusually rapid growth in children
- Delayed physical development
- Enlarged hands, feet, or facial features in adults (possible signs of acromegaly)
- Unexplained fatigue, reduced muscle mass, or low bone density in adults
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
An Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Test can help identify several conditions, including:
- Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children and adults
- Acromegaly, a condition caused by excess GH after bone growth plates have closed, leading to enlarged extremities and distinctive facial changes
- Gigantism, which occurs when excess GH is produced before the bone growth plates close, resulting in an unusually tall stature
- Pituitary tumours, particularly GH-secreting adenomas
- Laron syndrome, a rare form of dwarfism linked to GH insensitivity
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test is an important tool for tracking ongoing treatment. If you have been diagnosed with abnormally high or low GH production, or are receiving GH replacement therapy, regular IGF-1 checks help confirm whether treatment is working. Most people on treatment are retested every 6 to 12 months. The test is also used to monitor response to therapy in acromegaly, where normalising IGF-1 is a key treatment goal.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward, with very few restrictions.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not usually required for a standalone IGF-1 Test. However, if your doctor has requested other tests alongside this one, fasting for at least 12 hours before collection may be necessary. Always follow the specific instructions given by your doctor or the laboratory.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your appointment:
- Stop taking high-dose biotin supplements (more than 5 mg) at least 72 hours before the test, as biotin can interfere with test results.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking.
- Avoid intense or strenuous exercise in the 24 hours before your sample is collected.
- If you are monitoring IGF-1 levels over time, try to have your blood drawn at the same time of day as previous tests to keep results comparable.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained phlebotomist will clean a small area on your arm, usually the inner elbow.
- A tourniquet is placed around your upper arm to help make the vein more visible.
- A thin needle is gently inserted into the vein to draw a small amount of blood.
- The blood is collected into a tube, and the needle is removed.
- Light pressure is applied to the site, and a small bandage is placed over it.
- The sample is processed by allowing it to clot, then centrifuging it to separate the serum before being sent to the laboratory.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Malnutrition or prolonged fasting, which can lower levels
- High-dose biotin supplements taken within 72 hours of the test
- Age and stage of puberty, since normal IGF-1 ranges shift significantly across life stages
- Certain medications, including oestrogen therapy, may lower readings
- Recent severe illness, poorly controlled diabetes, or liver or kidney disease
Understanding Your Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Test Results
Results should always be reviewed alongside your age, sex, and overall health history. The table below shows general reference ranges; these vary considerably by age group:
| Age Group | Normal Range (ng/mL) |
|---|---|
| 0 to 11 months (males) | 18 to 156 |
| 1 year (males) | 14 to 203 |
| 2 years (males) | 16 to 222 |
| 3 years (males) | 22 to 229 |
| 4 years (males) | 30 to 236 |
| 5 years (males) | 39 to 250 |
| 6 years (males) | 47 to 275 |
| 7 years (males) | 54 to 312 |
| 8 years (males) | 61 to 356 |
| Girls under 3 years | 45 to 117 |
| Girls 3 to 6 years | 80 to 236 |
| Puberty (peak ages 13 to 17) | May exceed 700 |
| Young adults (20 to 30 years) | 150 to 450 |
| Middle age (40 to 50 years) | Up to approximately 300 |
| Older adults (above 60 years) | Lower ranges, often below 100 at the lower limit |
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 health conditions can shift IGF-1 levels independently of growth hormone status. Liver disease, kidney failure, hypothyroidism, malnutrition, sepsis, and poorly controlled diabetes can all reduce IGF-1 readings. IGF-1 levels rise significantly during the second half of pregnancy, which is a normal physiological change. Age is the most important factor to consider; results must always be compared against age-matched reference ranges.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein, as nutrition directly affects IGF-1 production.
- Aim for regular, moderate physical activity rather than extreme or sudden bursts of intense exercise.
- Prioritise good sleep, since growth hormone is released mainly during deep sleep and influences IGF-1 levels.
Lupin Diagnostics Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Test Price and Home Collection
The Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) test price starts at approximately ₹3,500, and home sample collection is available across major cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹4,500 |
| Mumbai | ₹3,500 |
| Bengaluru | ₹4,500 |
| Hyderabad | ₹4,500 |
| Chennai | ₹3,500 |
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
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the IGF-1 Test near me across multiple cities, so you can have your blood drawn without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Your digital report is delivered directly to your email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) est is used to evaluate growth disorders, detect growth hormone deficiency or excess, and monitor treatment in people with conditions such as acromegaly or gigantism. It is ordered for both children and adults, depending on their symptoms.
Fasting is not usually required for this test on its own. However, if your doctor has requested additional blood tests at the same time, you may be asked to fast for 12 hours beforehand. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor or the collection centre.
Growth hormone is released in short pulses at irregular intervals, which makes a single GH reading difficult to interpret. IGF-1 levels remain stable throughout the day and reflect average GH activity over time, making the IGF-1 test a more reliable and consistent measure.
Yes, certain medications and supplements can affect your result. High-dose biotin supplements taken within 72 hours of the test can lead to falsely low readings. Oestrogen therapy may also reduce IGF-1 levels. Let your doctor know about everything you are taking before the test.
Several conditions can lower IGF-1 independently of growth hormone problems. These include malnutrition, chronic liver disease, poorly controlled diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney failure, and serious illness. Your doctor will consider all of these factors when interpreting your results.
For people receiving treatment for growth hormone disorders, retesting every 6 to 12 months is generally recommended. Regular monitoring helps your doctor assess whether therapy is achieving the intended effect and adjust treatment if needed.
Yes, IGF-1 levels can change during pregnancy. Levels tend to remain within a normal range during the first two trimesters and then rise noticeably in the third trimester. This is a normal physiological shift and does not indicate a disorder on its own.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
