An important function of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) lies in its contribution to growth factors. Accordingly, it is possible to find out its amount in the body and how much growth hormone is produced in the body.

At City Imaging, we offer reliable and accurate testing for IGF-1 which can help doctors report on the condition of patients. IGF-1 testing is available to patients of all ages including small children and adults. The usual costs of IGF-1 testing range from INR 3000 to INR 6000.

What is the IGF-1 Test?

IGF-1 testing is a diagnostic test used to determine how much IGF-1 is in the blood stream. Production of IGF-1 occurs in the liver in response to Growth Hormone stimulation.

IGF-1 remains consistent unlike growth hormone which keeps changing throughout the day and hence makes the IGF-1 test one of the best ways for determining the activity of growth hormone.

Doctors may order for this test for different purposes that include:

• Growth disorders in children
• Suspected growth hormone deficiency
• Gigantism
• Acromegaly
• Pituitary gland disorders
• Monitoring growth hormone therapy

Why is the IGF-1 Test done?

It is done to determine various conditions related to abnormal growth or hormone imbalance.

In Children

The test helps evaluate:

• Slow growth or short stature
• Delayed puberty
• Poor weight gain
• Growth hormone deficiency
• Excessive growth suggesting gigantism

In Adults

Doctors may recommend the test if symptoms include:

• Enlarged hands or feet
• Changes in facial features
• Joint pain
• Persistent headaches
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Excessive sweating
• Suspected pituitary tumour
• Monitoring after pituitary surgery

What are the symptoms that may require an IGF-1 Test?

Some common symptoms associated with abnormal IGF-1 levels include:

Low IGF-1

• Poor growth in children
• Reduced muscle mass
• Low energy
• Increased body fat
• Delayed sexual development
• Weak bones
• Poor exercise tolerance

High IGF-1

• Enlargement of hands and feet
• Thickened facial features
• Jaw enlargement
• Excessive sweating
• Joint pain
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnoea
• Headaches
• Vision problems

How does the IGF-1 Test work?

This examination assesses the level of IGF-1 present in your bloodstream. As IGF-1 provides an average indication of growth hormone production, it gives a more accurate measurement than when just taking growth hormone measurements.

Physicians frequently utilise the IGF-1 test along with:

• Growth Hormone Test
• Growth Hormone Suppression Test
• Growth Hormone Stimulation Test
• MRI of the Pituitary Gland
• Thyroid Function Tests
• Cortisol Test
• Other hormone evaluations

How to prepare for the IGF-1(Somatomedin-C) Test?

The preparation is simple.

Your doctor may advise you to:

• Fast for 8–12 hours if recommended
• Drink plenty of water
• Inform your doctor about all medications

What is the IGF-1 Test procedure?

The process is done in no time and generally lasts only a few minutes.

Stage 1

You are seated in a comfortable position.

Stage 2

A health care specialist cleans the skin over a vein.

Stage 3

A sanitized needle enters the vein.

Stage 4

A small sample of blood is drawn into a blood collection tube.

Stage 5

The needle is taken out, and light pressure is applied. The sample is sent to a lab.

What are the normal IGF-1 Levels?

What do High IGF-1 Levels mean?

It may indicate:

• Acromegaly
• Gigantism
• Rare hormone-producing tumours
• Excess growth hormone therapy

What do Low IGF-1 Levels mean?

It may suggest:

• Pituitary gland disorders
• Malnutrition
• Liver disease
• Chronic illness
• Hypothyroidism

What are the conditions diagnosed with the IGF-1(Somatomedin-C) Test?

This test determines several conditions which are as:

• Acromegaly
• Gigantism
• Pituitary adenoma
• Hypopituitarism
• Liver disease

What are the factors that can affect IGF-1 Levels?

Several factors may influence test results, such as:

• Age
• Gender
• Pregnancy
• Liver function
• Nutritional status
• Chronic diseases
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders

What are the benefits of the IGF-1 Test?

It offers several important benefits:

• Detects growth abnormalities early
• Supports evaluation of pituitary gland function
• Monitors growth hormone therapy
• Assists in diagnosing acromegaly and gigantism
• Provides stable hormone assessment
• Helps monitor treatment effectiveness
• Guides long-term patient management

Are there any risks?

The IGF-1 blood test is very safe.

Possible minor risks include:

• Mild bruising
• Temporary bleeding
• Slight soreness
• Rare infection at the puncture site

Why choose City Imaging for the IGF-1 Test?

Our advantages include:

• Advanced laboratory technology
• Accurate and reliable reports
• Experienced laboratory professionals
• Hygienic sample collection
• Quick report delivery
• Affordable pricing
• Friendly patient care

When should you consult a doctor?

You should consult your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Slow growth in children
• Delayed puberty
• Excessive growth
• Enlarged hands or feet
• Persistent headaches
• Vision changes
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Unexplained hormonal symptoms

How to book IGF-1 test online at City Imaging?

You can book an IGF-1 test at City Imaging by going to their website and book the test in no time. They also provide home collection booking and upload prescriptions on the website.

Which IGF-1 test centre is near me?

The IGF-1 test centre near you is City Imaging, which has world class medical equipment and renowned professionals which will listen to your each query carefully and provide better solutions to your medical problems. They do tests at affordable rates and give special discounts to the needy. This testing centre is recognised by government institutions such as NABH and NABL and has long experience in diagnostic fields.

What is the price of the IGF-1 test in Delhi?

In Delhi, you can have an IGF-1 done for between INR 3000-6000. Different diagnostic centres will be (due to cost) higher or lower based upon the facility's size and location and whether they are government or private.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is fasting needed for the IGF-1 test?

Although fasting is not required in all cases, there may be a need to fast depending on other aspects of your health. Please follow what your healthcare professional tells you.

How soon will I receive IGF-1 results?

The majority of labs will give you results in 24-48 hours, but many factors can lead to variation in the result delivery time.

What other names are used for IGF-1?

Aside from IGF-1, it is also referred to as IGF-1(Somatomedin-C), IGF 1 Somatomedin-C, and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1.

Is the IGF-1 test done only for kids?

No, IGF-1 test can be done in adults as well as children to check the levels of growth hormone.

Are high levels of IGF-1 only due to pituitary tumors?

Not always. High levels of growth hormone doesn’t always mean that there is a pituitary tumor. Further testing for growth hormone and MRI is needed for definitive diagnosis.

Do medications have an impact on IGF-1 levels?

Yes, the impact from other medications, nutritional intake, functioning of liver and other medical conditions have to be taken into consideration.