A single fasting growth hormone (GH) level is of limited value. The secretion of GH is episodic and pulsatile. GH has a half-life of 20 to 25 minutes. Testing for growth hormone deficiency or excess is best done as part of a dynamic test involving specific stimuli (see the online Endocrine Appendices: Growth Hormone Stimulation and Growth Hormone Suppression). Insulin-like growth factor-1 can also be useful in assessing growth hormone status.

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, also known as IGF-1, is used as a biomarker for blood levels of human growth hormone. It is a hormone produced by the liver and other tissues which affects growth-promoting activities and glucose metabolism. The blood level of IGF-1 appears to fluctuate over 24 hours and is found to be related to growth hormone secretion.

Approximately 95% of IGF-1 and IGF-II are bound to IGFBP-3, which makes this protein the major carrier of the insulin-like growth factors in circulation. The function of the binding protein is to extend the half-life of the growth factors in the circulation.

Tests included are:

Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC)
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Hemoglobin A1c
Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel
Urinalysis, Complete
TSH
Thyroid Free T3
Thyroid Free T4
Reverse T3
TPO Antibodies
Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Homocysteine
Cardio C-Reactive Protein
CPK
Estradiol, Ultra Sensitive
Testosterone Total & Free (LC/MS- No upper limit)
DHEA – S
Prolactin
DHT
IGF-1
Progesterone
Estrone
Total Estrogens
LH + FSH
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
Vitamin D (25OHD)
Vitamin B-12
Folate
Ferritin
Iron & TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)

 A prolactin blood test is used by doctors to evaluate sexual dysfunction or very low testosterone blood levels of unknown causes in both men and women.

This diabetes panel includes important tests usually prescribed for anyone living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It includes A1c, CMP, Urinialysis, Insulin, and Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT).