Test library
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test
The IGF-1 Insulin Blood Test measures insulin-like growth factor 1, a hormone produced mainly in response to growth hormone. It is used to assess growth hormone activity because IGF-1 levels are steadier than growth hormone itself.
Order IGF-1 Insulin Blood Test
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order IGF-1 Insulin Blood Test- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $129
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The IGF-1 Insulin Blood Test measures insulin-like growth factor 1, often called somatomedin C. IGF-1 is produced mostly by the liver in response to growth hormone, and it carries out many of growth hormone's effects on growth and metabolism. Because IGF-1 stays relatively stable through the day, it is often used instead of growth hormone to assess whether production is too high or too low.
What this test measures
Growth hormone is released by the pituitary in bursts, which makes it hard to interpret from a single sample. IGF-1 is produced in response to that hormone and remains steadier in the bloodstream, so it serves as a practical marker of growth hormone activity over time. Levels naturally rise during childhood and fall with age, and reference ranges are adjusted accordingly.
This test uses a blood sample, and results are reported as a concentration, usually in nanograms per milliliter. The laboratory compares the value with age and sex adjusted ranges. Providers sometimes pair IGF-1 with growth hormone, IGF-binding protein 3, or other pituitary markers to build a fuller picture of the pituitary axis.
IGF-1 testing may be ordered for a child with growth concerns, an adult with features suggesting acromegaly, or a person being followed for pituitary disease. It can also be affected by nutrition, liver disease, and other conditions, so it is not interpreted alone. A qualified healthcare provider should review the result with the person's history and other tests.
- Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1, somatomedin C)
- IGF-1 concentration in ng/mL
- Age and sex adjusted reference range comparison
- Growth hormone level when ordered together
- IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) when included
- Other pituitary hormone markers when a panel is included
Why people order this test
- Assess growth hormone activity over time with a steadier marker
- Evaluate slow or unusual growth in a child
- Investigate suspected growth hormone excess in an adult
- Follow known pituitary conditions or their treatment
- Add context when growth hormone results are hard to interpret
- Support evaluation of unexplained changes in body composition
How to prepare
Some laboratories ask for a fasting or morning sample for IGF-1 testing. Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory, and tell the testing provider about any medications or health conditions that could affect the result.
Understanding your results
Results are usually available within one to three business days. The value is compared with age and sex adjusted ranges, where a high level may suggest growth hormone excess and a low level may suggest deficiency or another cause. A qualified healthcare provider can interpret the finding with other tests.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test by state
Alabama
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test across Alabama.
Alaska
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test across Alaska.
Arizona
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test across Arizona.
Arkansas
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test across Arkansas.
California
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test across California.
Colorado
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test across Colorado.
Connecticut
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test across Connecticut.
Delaware
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test across Delaware.
Florida
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test across Florida.
Georgia
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test across Georgia.
Hawaii
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test across Hawaii.
Idaho
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Test across Idaho.
Related tests
12 Panel Drug Test (Drugs of Abuse Testing), Hair
Compare 12 Panel Drug Test (Drugs of Abuse Testing), Hair options and order online.
12 Panel Drug Testing
Compare 12 Panel Drug Testing options and order online.
7 Panel Drug Test (Drugs of Abuse Testing), Hair
Compare 7 Panel Drug Test (Drugs of Abuse Testing), Hair options and order online.
9 Panel Drug Test
Compare 9 Panel Drug Test options and order online.
9 Panel Drug Test (Drugs of Abuse Testing), Hair
Compare 9 Panel Drug Test (Drugs of Abuse Testing), Hair options and order online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why measure IGF-1 instead of growth hormone directly?
Growth hormone fluctuates sharply through the day, while IGF-1 is steadier and reflects growth hormone activity over a longer period. That makes IGF-1 easier to interpret from a single sample.
Does age affect IGF-1 levels?
Yes. IGF-1 rises during childhood and gradually declines with age, so laboratories use age and sex adjusted reference ranges.
What can cause a low IGF-1 level?
Low levels may reflect growth hormone deficiency, poor nutrition, liver disease, or other conditions. The result is interpreted with the clinical picture.
Do I need to fast for an IGF-1 test?
Some laboratories request fasting or a morning collection. Follow the specific instructions provided for the test ordered.
Is IGF-1 testing only for children?
No. Adults may be tested when growth hormone excess or deficiency is suspected or when pituitary disease is being monitored.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
Reviewed by the LabOrdering Editorial Team
Every page on this site is reviewed for clarity, sourcing, and accuracy. We update our library as testing options, collection networks, and accreditation standards change.