Insulin Like Growth Factor 1
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) testing is used to assess growth hormone activity and evaluate conditions related to abnormal growth and metabolism. IGF-1, a hormone primarily produced in the liver in response to growth hormone, reflects the overall activity of growth hormone in the body and is often measured to diagnose conditions like acromegaly in cats and growth hormone deficiency in dogs. Elevated levels of IGF-1 can indicate excessive growth hormone production, commonly associated with acromegaly, diabetic animals. while low levels may suggest insufficient growth hormone activity.
Collect an adequate amount of blood in a plain red-top tube or serum separator tube (yellow-top tube). Allow it to clot at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before separation.
Centrifuge to separate the serum. Transfer the clear serum into a new, leak-proof plain red-top tube and label it as "serum."
Excessively hemolyzed samples are not suitable for this test.
Unspun samples will not be accepted.
Refrigerate sample at 4oC until shipment.
Label each sample with the animal’s name and a unique identifier, using a permanent marker or a secure adhesive label
Ensure the submittal form is completed with the animal’s information and relevant medical history.
1. Rijnberk, A., et al. "Clinical Applications of IGF-1 in Diagnosing Feline Acromegaly and Canine Growth Hormone Disorders." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2022.
2. Peterson, M.E., et al. "Evaluation of IGF-1 as a Biomarker for Growth Hormone Dysregulation in Companion Animals." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 2021.
3. Williams, D.A., & Greco, D.S. "Understanding the Role of IGF-1 in Veterinary Endocrinology." Journal of Comparative Endocrinology, 2023.