What is a Growth Hormone Test?
A growth hormone test is done to find out why a child is small or growing slowly. The test tells how much growth hormone a person’s body is making. This test is used to help diagnose growth hormone deficiency. Growth hormone is needed by the body in order to grow.
There are three medicines that can be used during this test: arginine, clonidine and glucagon. All of these medicines cause the body to release growth hormone. During the test, nurses draw blood samples at special times to see how much growth hormone the body is making.
If your child is currently taking Clonidine, please let the scheduler know.
Before the Test
Your child will not be allowed to have anything to eat or drink except water after midnight the night before the test. You will need to reschedule the test if your child ate or drank anything other than water after midnight the night before the test. If you need to reschedule the test, please call 513-636-6907. The test takes about four to six hours, so have your child wear comfortable clothing. It would be best if they wear a short-sleeved shirt to the test. If your child is on any medications, please let the scheduler know when you schedule this test.
Explain what will happen to your child in simple terms they can understand.
During the Test
This test will use different medicines to see if your child’s body is making and using growth hormone correctly. The medicines are called arginine, clonidine and glucagon. Your provider will decide which medicines your child will be given to best measure their growth hormone levels based on your child’s age and size.
The test is done in the Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic. When you arrive at the clinic, your child’s height and weight will be measured.
Your child will then go into a patient room where an IV (intravenous) catheter is placed. This is used to give arginine and to draw the blood samples. Having the IV placed can be a little uncomfortable, but it is done quickly.
Clonidine is given by mouth in pill or liquid form. The clonidine may lower blood pressure and cause your child to become sleepy, so the nurses will measure blood pressure throughout the test. Your child may get fluids to drink during the test.
Glucagon is given as an intramuscular injection (into a muscle). The glucagon may cause nausea.
After the Test
Your child will be given a snack after the test. Patients must be awake, able to eat and walk around before being discharged from the clinic. Your child may feel tired the rest of the evening.
Test results are available two to three weeks after the test is completed. Your provider will notify you of the results.
There are no dietary restrictions following the test.
Activity
Your child may feel tired the evening following the test. They may not feel like doing any of their usual activities.
Call your child's provider at 513-636-4744 if you have any medical concerns about your child's condition or if you have not received the test results within three weeks.
