Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I, or somatomedin C), a protein involved in stimulating somatic growth, is regulated principally by growth hormone (GH) and nutritional intake. IGF-I is transported in serum by several proteins; this helps maintain relatively high IGF-I plasma levels and minimizes fluctuations in serum IGF-I concentrations.
Measuring IGF-I is useful in several growth-related disorders. Dwarfism caused by deficiency of growth hormone
(hypopituitarism) results in decreased serum levels of IGF-I, while acromegaly (growth hormone excess) results in
elevated levels of IGF-I. IGF-I measurements are also helpful in assessing nutritional status; levels are reduced in undernutrition and restored with a proper diet.
1.0 mL Serum from a Red Top Tube in a Plastic Vial
48 hours Ambient
5 days Refrigerated
7 days Frozen
Allow blood to clot (10-15 minutes) at ambient temperature
Separate serum from cells
Freeze Serum
0.5 mL Serum
Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I, or somatomedin C), a protein involved in stimulating somatic growth, is regulated principally by growth hormone (GH) and nutritional intake. IGF-I is transported in serum by several proteins; this helps maintain relatively high IGF-I plasma levels and minimizes fluctuations in serum IGF-I concentrations.
Measuring IGF-I is useful in several growth-related disorders. Dwarfism caused by deficiency of growth hormone
(hypopituitarism) results in decreased serum levels of IGF-I, while acromegaly (growth hormone excess) results in
elevated levels of IGF-I. IGF-I measurements are also helpful in assessing nutritional status; levels are reduced in undernutrition and restored with a proper diet.
5 to 8 days
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