Growth hormone stimulation tests

SPEG (Scottish Paediatric Endocrine Group)
NHS National Services Scotland

Introduction

Growth hormone stimulation tests are often combined with other tests of pituitary function including the LHRH test and Synacthen test.

There are three stimulation tests commonly used for assessing the growth hormone axis:

  • Insulin Hypoglycaemia Stress test
  • Arginine stimulation test
  • Clonidine stimulation test.

Other tests have been used for assessing the growth hormone axis. These are the Glucagon stimulation test and Exercise test.

These tests are not recommended, due to problems with late hypoglycaemia and poor reproducibility of results.

'Priming' before the test

If the test is performed on peri-pubertal children, priming of the pituitary axis with sex steroids is required.

Please refer to the BSPED guidance for who to prime and suitable preparations.

Indications for the procedure

To assess the ability of the anterior pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone (GH).

Used in the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency.