Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a peptide hormone, very similar to insulin. It is a major growth factor, which is synthesised by most cells and tissues. Circulating IGF-1 is produced by the liver in response to growth hormone (GH). IGF-1 concentration is increased in acromegaly, decreased in growth hormone deficiency and altered in systemic illness and malnutrition.
It is often measured along with growth hormone in the investigation of disorders of GH secretion. It is also used to monitor patients with acromegaly and those on growth hormone therapy.
Sample Requirements and Reference Ranges
| Sample type | Serum |
| Container | SST |
| Precautions | None |
| Minimum volume | 2 mL |
| Reference range | Age (yr) Males (μg/L) Females (μg/L)
<2 15 - 157 17 - 151 2 - 4 28 - 247 25 - 198 5 - 7 46 - 349 39 - 272 8 - 10 67 - 442 59 - 371 11 - 13 89 - 503 82 - 465 14 - 16 104 - 510 97 - 502 17 - 25 105 - 410 96 - 417 26 - 39 81 - 249 72 - 259 40 - 54 63 - 201 57 - 197 55 - 65 49 - 191 43 - 170 65+ 39 - 186 35 - 168 |
| Turnaround time | 7 days |
| Method | IDS iSYS |
Copyright 2021 NHSGGC
