Biochemistry

Preferred Sample Type

IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor)

Suitable Specimen Types

Serum

IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor)

Specimen Volume

1 mL blood (250ul serum)

Sample Preparation

Centrifuge and separate serum, store frozen. Serum stable at 4C for up to 8 days, thereafter store frozen

Turnaround Time

7 days

Sample Processing In Laboratory

Usual

Sample Stability

4C for 8 days, -20C thereafter

General Information

Insulin-like growth factor - 1 (IGF-1) has sequence similarity to insulin, and similar biological functions as insulin e.g. inhibits lipolysis, increases glucose oxidation in adipose tissues. Other functions include growth-promoting effects on cartilage and enhanced synthesis of proteoglycans and collagen. IGF-1 levels normally are low in early childhood, increase gradually during childhood, peak during puberty, and then decline in adult life. The IGF-1 test is an indirect measure of the average amount of growth hormone (GH) being produced by the body. The concentration of IGF-1 is stable throughout the day, making it a useful indicator of average GH levels (as GH has pulsatile secretion).

Patient Preparation

None

Notes

IGF-1 is measured to help diagnose the cause of growth abnormalities and to evaluate pituitary function. (Formerly known as somatomedin)

IGF-1 concentrations are high in states of Growth Hormone excess and low in states of Growth Hormone deficiency.

Serum levels of IGF-1 are also low in patients with acute or chronic protein or calorie deprivation.

Reference Range

Age and gender related reference ranges, please contact laboratory (ext.16543)                                                                                         

 

Specifications

  • EQA Status: NEQAS
  • EQAS Scheme: Yes

Link to Further Information

https://pinboard.in/u:duty_biochemist/t:IGF-1/

Related Tests

Growth Hormone (GH)

Creation Date

Monday, 08 August 2011

Modification Date

Thursday, 28 June 2018

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Protection of Personal Information – Clinical Laboratory Services comply with the Trust Data Protection Policy and have procedures in place to allow the Directorate and it’s employees to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and associated best practice and guidance.

University Hospitals Birmingham medical laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the UKAS website using the following link: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/

  • Molecular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8759
  • Biochemistry is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8910
  • Haematology and Transfusion is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8784
  • Clinical Microbiology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8760
  • Cellular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 10141
  • Musculoskeletal laboratory is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 9897
  • Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospital pathology laboratories are a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8217.

Tests not appearing on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.

For further test information, please visit the test database: http://qehbpathology.uk/test-database

For further information contact Louise Fallon, Quality Manager, 0121 371 5962