Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 - Equine
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) testing is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating metabolic and endocrine health in horses. IGF-1, a hormone produced primarily in the liver under the regulation of growth hormone (GH), plays a crucial role in growth, development, and metabolic regulation. In equine veterinary medicine, measuring IGF-1 levels provides insights into growth hormone activity, metabolic disorders, and conditions affecting growth and performance. Elevated or diminished IGF-1 levels can indicate underlying endocrine or metabolic issues. Testing is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), and growth abnormalities in younger horses. IGF-1 measurement can also assist in monitoring the response to therapeutic interventions aimed at managing these disorders. The test is minimally invasive, typically requiring a serum sample, and is a reliable indicator of equine endocrine health.
2 ml Serum
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.
Hinchcliff, K.W., et al. "The Role of IGF-1 in Diagnosing and Managing Endocrine Disorders in Horses." Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2021.
McCue, P.M., et al. "Clinical Applications of IGF-1 Measurement in Equine Medicine." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2022.
Geor, R.J., et al. "Advances in Endocrine Diagnostics: IGF-1 Testing in Equine Practice." Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2023.