Growth Hormone Suppression by Glucose Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Growth Hormone Suppression by Glucose Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | GH suppression test, Glucose loading test, OGTT for growth hormone, Acromegaly blood test, Gigantism blood test |
| Sample Type | Serum (multiple timed blood draws) |
| Fasting Required | Yes — 10 to 12 hours before the test; avoid food and physical activity |
| Report Time | 1 Day |
| Recommended For | Adults and children of all genders with suspected excess growth hormone |
| Price | Starting at ₹3,150 |
What is a Growth Hormone Suppression by Glucose Test?
The growth hormone suppression by glucose test checks whether the body can reduce its growth hormone (GH) production after consuming a measured glucose drink. In a healthy person, rising blood sugar after glucose intake signals the pituitary gland to lower GH output. This test measures whether that suppression happens correctly. Doctors order it when they suspect a condition called acromegaly in adults or gigantism in children. It is also known as the GH Suppression Test or the OGTT for Growth Hormone.
What Does a Growth Hormone Suppression by Glucose Test Measure?
The test analyses growth hormone levels in blood samples collected at set time points before and after glucose intake. The key value the lab reports is called the nadir GH, which is the lowest GH level reached after the glucose load. Glucose levels in each sample are also monitored.
The table below shows the main parameters measured:
| Parameter | What it Tells the Doctor |
|---|---|
| Baseline GH | Starting level of growth hormone before glucose intake |
| Nadir GH (post-glucose) | The lowest GH level reached after the glucose drink |
| Glucose levels | Confirms the glucose load was absorbed correctly at each time point |
Why is a Growth Hormone Suppression by Glucose Test Done?
This test is used to confirm or rule out excess growth hormone production. It is also used to track how well treatment is working in patients already diagnosed with a GH-related condition.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may prescribe the growth hormone suppression by glucose test if a patient reports one or more of the following symptoms:
- Enlarged hands and feet
- Changes in facial features, including growth of facial bones, lips, nose, or tongue
- Coarse, oily, or thickened skin
- Excessive sweating and body odour
- Persistent fatigue or joint and muscle weakness
- Recurring headaches
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test helps identify or confirm several conditions related to excess GH production:
- Acromegaly — a condition in adults where excess GH causes the bones in the hands, feet, and face to grow larger
- Gigantism — excess GH in children before growth plates close, leading to unusual height gain
- Pituitary tumours — growths on the pituitary gland that cause the body to produce too much GH
Growth Hormone Suppression by Glucose Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The growth hormone suppression by glucose test is the standard test for screening and diagnosing acromegaly. Once a patient starts treatment, whether through surgery, medication, or radiotherapy, the test is repeated at regular intervals to assess how well treatment is working. Post-surgery re-evaluation typically involves measuring nadir GH after a glucose load at least 12 weeks after the procedure.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation is important for this test because several factors can affect GH levels. Following the preparation steps carefully helps ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
Yes. You must fast for 10 to 12 hours before the test. This means no food and no drinks other than water during this period. You should also avoid strenuous physical activity during the fasting window, as exercise can raise GH levels and affect the outcome.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before attending your appointment:
- Stop taking biotin (vitamin B7) supplements at least 72 hours before sample collection, as biotin can interfere with test results
- Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, as some medications, including oestrogens, androgens, and corticosteroids, can affect GH levels
- Rest for at least 30 minutes before your first blood draw; even mild stress raises GH levels
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, as the test takes around 2 to 2.5 hours
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect on the day of your growth hormone suppression by glucose test procedure:
- The first blood sample is collected in the early morning, typically between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., before you eat or drink anything.
- A trained phlebotomist collects a small blood sample from a vein in your arm for the baseline GH measurement.
- You are then given a glucose drink containing 75 grams of glucose to consume within five minutes.
- Further blood samples are collected at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after you finish the glucose drink.
- Each sample is labelled with the collection time point and sent to the laboratory for serum GH and glucose analysis.
- Samples are kept refrigerated and processed promptly to maintain accuracy.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the test results:
- Not fasting properly before the test
- Exercise or physical activity shortly before sample collection
- Stress at the time of blood draw
- Medications such as corticosteroids, oestrogens, or androgens
- Underlying conditions, including diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, or anorexia nervosa
- Failure to consume the glucose drink within the required five-minute window
Understanding Your Growth Hormone Suppression by Glucose Test Results
Your results will show GH levels at each time point and the nadir GH value, which is the key reading the doctor uses for diagnosis. A doctor will review these values alongside your symptoms and medical history before drawing any conclusions.
| Parameter | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Nadir GH (post-glucose, general) | Less than 1 ng/mL |
| Nadir GH (sensitive assays) | Less than 0.4 µg/L |
| Nadir GH in men | Less than 0.25 µg/L |
| Nadir GH in premenopausal women | Less than 0.74 µg/L |
| Nadir GH in postmenopausal women | Less than 0.5 µg/L |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain conditions can cause GH to remain elevated even without true excess GH production. This is known as a false-positive result.
Conditions that may prevent normal GH suppression include chronic kidney failure, liver disease or active hepatitis, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, anorexia nervosa, and malnutrition. GH nadir values also tend to be higher in adolescents, particularly pubertal girls, so age and stage of development are taken into account when interpreting results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general lifestyle habits support healthy hormone regulation:
- Maintain a balanced diet and a healthy body weight, as excess body weight can affect how the body regulates GH
- Prioritise good-quality sleep, since the body releases a large share of its daily GH during sleep
- Stay physically active through regular moderate exercise, but avoid vigorous exercise in the hours before any hormone test
Lupin Diagnostics Growth Hormone Suppression by Glucose Test Price and Home Collection
The growth hormone suppression by glucose test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹3,150, and home collection is available across cities. The test involves multiple blood draws over approximately two hours, which is reflected in the pricing.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 3150 |
| CHENNAI | 3150 |
| HYDERABAD | 3150 |
| KOLKATA | 3150 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 3150 |
| PUNE | 3150 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Here is how to book the growth hormone suppression by glucose test online booking with Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Growth hormone suppression by glucose test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A certified phlebotomist visits your home for each timed sample draw. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is delivered within one day.
Frequently Asked Questions
The growth hormone suppression by glucose test is the standard diagnostic test for acromegaly, a condition in which the body produces excess growth hormone. It is also used to confirm gigantism in children and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions.
The test typically takes between 2 and 2.5 hours to complete. Blood samples are collected before the glucose drink and then at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after glucose consumption. Patients should plan to remain at the collection centre for the entire duration.
Fasting for 10 to 12 hours helps ensure that the baseline growth hormone level is accurate and that the body's response to the glucose drink is not influenced by recent food intake. Failure to fast may affect the accuracy of the test results.
If growth hormone levels remain elevated after glucose intake, this may suggest acromegaly or gigantism. Your doctor may recommend additional tests and clinical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis before making treatment decisions.
You should inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking before the test. Certain medicines, including corticosteroids and hormonal therapies, can influence growth hormone levels. Your doctor will advise whether any medications should be temporarily stopped before the test.
The blood collection process carries minimal risks and may cause brief discomfort, bruising, or tenderness at the needle site. Some people experience mild nausea after drinking the glucose solution. Serious complications associated with this test are rare.
Yes. The growth hormone suppression by glucose test can be used to investigate gigantism, a condition caused by excessive growth hormone production in children before their growth plates close. The test is suitable for both children and adults when abnormal growth hormone production is suspected.
Growth Hormone Suppression by Glucose Test: Booking, Price, and Results
