Growth Hormone, 2 Specimens

Message

Two separate collection times/samples required. Indicate
collection time for each sample on the sample.

Test Code

GHQ

Alias/See Also

LAB12728

CPT Codes
83003 (x2)

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum x2

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL x2

Instructions

Note: Administration of STRENSIQ may interfere in certain assays and may falsely elevate values. For patients receiving STRENSIQ, consideration should be given to using alternate methods.

Transport Container

Plastic screw-cap vials (x2)

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days Refrigerated: 10 days Frozen: 28
days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Plasma

Methodology

Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule

Mon-Sat p.m.

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

<20 years: ≤10.1 ng/mL

≥20 years: ≤7.1 ng/mL

Because of a pulsatile secretion pattern, random (unstimulated)
growth hormone (GH) levels are frequently undetectable in normal
children and adults and are not reliable for diagnosing GH
deficiency. Regarding suppression tests, failure to suppress GH is
diagnostic of acromegaly.

Typical GH response in healthy subjects:

Using the glucose tolerance (GH suppression) test, acromegaly is
ruled out if the patients GH level is <1.0 ng/mL at any point
in the timed sequence.

Using GH stimulation testing, the following results at any point in
the timed sequence makes GH deficiency unlikely:

Adults (≥20 years)

Insulin Hypoglycemia ≥5.1 ng/mL

Arginine/GHRH ≥4.1 ng/mL

Glucagon ≥3.0 ng/mL

Children (<20 years)

All Stimulation Tests ≥10.0 ng/mL

Clinical Significance

Measurement of GH is primarily of interest in the diagnosis and treatment of various forms of inappropriate growth hormone secretion. Growth hormone measurements in children are used in the evaluation of short stature and help differentiate low GH production from other sources of growth failure. Stimulation and suppression tests are often more meaningful than random measurements.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute 14225 Newbrook Drive Chantilly, VA 20153

Last Updated: February 17, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.