The growth hormone stimulation test is usually performed to
identify if hGH (human growth hormone) is deficient. The test is
performed by administering the amino acid arginine in a vein to
raise hGH levels. The test measures the ability of the pituitary to
secrete growth hormone in response to the arginine. Lack of hGH can
cause growth retardation in infants and children.
Review Date: 09/13/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine; Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant
Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
