Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 - Use As A Diagnostic Test

Use As A Diagnostic Test

Reference ranges for IGF-1
(in ng/mL)
Age Females Males
2.5th
centile
97.5th
centile
2.5th
centile
97.5th
centile
20 111 423 156 385
25 102 360 119 343
30 94 309 97 306
35 86 271 84 275
40 79 246 76 251
45 73 232 71 233
50 68 228 66 221
55 64 231 61 214
60 61 237 55 211
65 59 241 49 209
70 57 237 46 207
75 55 219 48 202

IGF-1 levels can be measured in the blood in 10-1000 ng/ml amounts. As levels do not fluctuate greatly throughout the day for an individual person, IGF-1 is used by physicians as a screening test for growth hormone deficiency and excess in acromegaly and gigantism.

Interpretation of IGF-1 levels is complicated by the wide normal ranges, and variations by age, sex, and pubertal stage. Clinically significant conditions and changes may be masked by the wide normal ranges. Sequential management over time is often useful for the management of several types of pituitary disease, undernutrition, and growth problems.

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