IGF-1, short for Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, is an important biomarker that plays an essential role in the growth and development of children and is also involved in adult health. It is produced in response to growth hormone and helps regulate the growth of cells and tissues throughout the body.
Testing IGF-1 is useful for assessing growth hormone production. This can be particularly helpful in diagnosing growth disorders in children, such as dwarfism or gigantism, and in adults, it can assist in diagnosing acromegaly or a growth hormone deficiency. It is also useful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions. It is also important if you are focused on muscle growth, for example, a bodybuilder.
IGF-1 levels reflect the amount of growth hormone in the body. It helps in diagnosing growth hormone deficiencies or excesses and can provide insight into metabolic health and aging.
A high level of IGF-1 may indicate an excess of growth hormone, which can lead to conditions such as acromegaly in adults, where the hands, feet, and face become unusually large. It can also indicate gigantism in children, leading to an abnormal increase in growth.
A low level of IGF-1 may indicate a lack of growth hormone, which can result in growth failure in children or reduced bone density and muscle mass in adults.
Answers to what people usually want to know.
After ordering we generate a referral letter and email you the instructions. You pick a collection point yourself and book an appointment there. Blood is drawn at the location, processed at the lab, and your result arrives digitally.
Usually very quickly — collection points typically have slots within a few days, sometimes even same-day. It depends on how busy the location is. For a few specialist analyses we first ship collection materials, which takes a bit longer.
At most collection points yes. Some accept walk-ins — this is clearly indicated per location. You choose the location that works best for you.
IGF‑1; growth and metabolism.
€44.95EUR
That depends on the test. Whether fasting is required — and from what time — is clearly stated in the instructions you receive after ordering. No surprises at the counter.
It varies per analysis — from same-day to a few working days. Standard values often come back quickly; analyses that go to an external lab can take a bit longer. You get an email with a link to your digital result, including a short explanation per value.
We work with 1,000+ collection points across the Netherlands. After ordering you'll see which locations near you are available and you pick where you'd like to go.
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