Growth Hormone Stimulation Test
Alternate Names : Arginine Test
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How is the Test Performed?
An angiocatheter (IV) is usually placed in a vein (venipuncture), typically in the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a tourniquet (an elastic band) or blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the tourniquet to distend (fill with blood). A needle is inserted into the vein, and then removed while the angiocatheter is left in the vein. The tourniquet is then removed to restore circulation.
Your blood will be drawn 5 times. To prevent multiple punctures of the vein, samples will be taken through the IV line instead of repeatedly re-inserting the needle.
The first sample will be drawn between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., then an intravenous (IV) infusion of arginine is started and continued for 30 minutes. After the 30-minute infusion, GH-releasing hormone is administered intravenously and then four more blood samples are drawn at 30-minute intervals.
(Sometimes arginine or GH-releasing hormone is given alone for this test. The variation of the test used depends on the preferences of the prescribing physician.)
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