Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry  (SENDOUTS)
Test Name:
ARGININE STIMULATION TEST - (S)
Test Code: ARG
Clinical Information:
Description: This procedure is used for the assessment of patients with suspected growth hormone deficiency. It is performed in the Pediatric Day Unit at Children’s Hospital.
Recommendations: Inclusion and Withdrawal Criteria for Growth Hormone (GH) Therapy in Children with Idiopathic GH Deficiency – Towards Following the Evidence but Still with Unresolved Problems. Endocrines 2022, 3: 55-75
Cut-off Limits of the Peak GH Response to Stimulation Tests for the Diagnosis of GH Deficiency in Children and Adolescents: Studies in Patients with Organic GHD. European Journal of Endocrinology 2016, 175: 41-47
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology Guidelines for Management of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults and Patients Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult care. Endocrine Practice 2019, 25(11): 1191-1232
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required:


Serum: 1.0 mL
Pediatric Serum: 0.4 mL
Referral:
Requisition:
Reference Values:
Reference Intervals: Normal response is peak > 8 ug/L
 
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.
Method of Analysis: Chemiluminescence immunometric immunoassay
Availability:
Endocrinology Consult Required
See Also:
More Information:
Follow lab instructions given on the Arginine Stimulation Requisition Form.