What endocrinologists should know about growth hormone measurements.
Determination of human growth hormone (GH) concentration in serum plays a key role in the diagnosis of GH deficiency and GH excess (acromegaly). Methods of measuring GH still lack standardization and show considerable between-method variability. Therefore, correct interpretation of GH test results requires knowledge of measurement techniques and awareness of potential problems in applying recommendations for cut-off values given in the literature. This article focuses on the molecular, structural, and methodologic background of the heterogeneity of assay results and on possible next steps toward standardization.
Bidlingmaier
Martin
M
Endocrine Research Laboratories, Medizinische Klinik-Innenstadt, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Ziemssenstrasse 1, Munich 80336, Germany. martin.bidlingmaier@med.uni-muenchen.de
Strasburger
Christian J
CJ
D001800:Blood Specimen Collection; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D004704:Endocrinology; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D012015:Reference Standards
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013006:Growth Hormone