Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry  (SPECIAL CHEMISTRY)
Test Name:
CLONIDINE STIMULATION TEST - (S)
Test Code: CLDN
Clinical Information:
Description:  This procedure is used for the assessment of pediatric patients with suspected growth hormone deficiency.

 

It is performed in the Pediatric Day Unit at Children’s Hospital.

Collection Devices:
Serum tubes with no gel are also acceptable.
Specimen Required:


Serum: 1.0 mL
Pediatric Serum: 0.4 mL

Follow lab instruction on the Clonidine Stimulation Requisition Form.
Referral:
Requisition:
Reference Values:
Reference Intervals:
AgeInterpretation
<19 yPeak growth hormone (GH) <6.8 ug/L suggests GH deficiency. Some experts consider peak response 5-10 ug/L as equivocal.
≥ 19 yTest is not recommended for adult patients. Thresholds for GH deficiency have not been well established.

Growth hormone stimulation test cut-off values are assay dependent and somewhat arbitrary. An inadequate response to at least two stimulation tests, along with auxologic data and clinical assessment consistent with growth hormone deficiency are required to confirm a diagnosis.
Some laboratories recommend a peak value of > 10 ug/L for pediatric patients and suggest values of 5 – 10 ug/L are indeterminate. Values < 5 ug/L are generally considered subnormal.
 

 

Availability:
Within 1 Week
See Also:
More Information: