IGF Binding Protein - 3 IGFBP - 3 Test
Short Name: IGFBP-3
Also known as: IGFBP-3 Test, Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3, Somatomedin Binding Protein, Growth Hormone Binding Protein Test, IGF-BP3 Serum Test
IGF Binding Protein - 3 IGFBP - 3 Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹5,500. Uses Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) on Serum samples. Results in Same day report when sample is received on Monday or Thursday by 11:00 AM.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The IGFBP-3 test is primarily used to evaluate growth hormone disorders. It assists in diagnosing growth hormone deficiency in children and adults, acromegaly, gigantism, and conditions related to excessive recombinant human growth hormone usage. It serves as an adjunct to IGF-1 and GH stimulation/suppression tests for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
- Test Code
- 854
- CPT Code
- 83520
- ICD Code
- E23.0
- Price
- ₹5,500
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Same day report when sample is received on Monday or Thursday by 11:00 AM.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)
Sample Collection
No special preparation such as fasting is required. Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and hormonal therapies you are currently taking, as some may influence IGFBP-3 levels.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A trained phlebotomist will collect approximately 2 mL of blood from a vein in your arm using a standard venipuncture technique. The procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes.
Report Delivery
Apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball or gauze at the puncture site for a few minutes. Mild bruising may occur and resolves within a few days. No specific activity restrictions are required after sample collection.
Timeline: Same day report when sample is received on Monday or Thursday by 11:00 AM.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The IGFBP-3 test is primarily used to evaluate growth hormone disorders. It assists in diagnosing growth hormone deficiency in children and adults, acromegaly, gigantism, and conditions related to excessive recombinant human growth hormone usage. It serves as an adjunct to IGF-1 and GH stimulation/suppression tests for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
How to Prepare
- No fasting is required prior to sample collection
- Stay well hydrated before the blood draw
- Inform the phlebotomist of any bleeding disorders or anticoagulant medications
- The sample must be collected in an SST (Serum Separator Tube)
- Sample volume required: 2 mL (1 mL minimum) of serum
- The serum must be separated and shipped frozen; do not thaw during transit
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"IGFBP-3 is a valuable adjunctive marker in the evaluation of growth disorders. When interpreted alongside IGF-1 and growth hormone stimulation or suppression tests, IGFBP-3 helps clinicians distinguish between growth hormone deficiency and other causes of short stature. In adults, it aids in confirming growth hormone deficiency and monitoring recombinant human growth hormone therapy. Patients with symptoms such as unexplained growth delay in children, or features suggestive of acromegaly in adults, should discuss IGFBP-3 testing with their endocrinologist."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric samples may be rejected or produce unreliable results
- Sample not shipped frozen or thawed during transit
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 1 mL serum)
- Incorrect container used (non-SST tube)
- Unlabeled or mislabeled specimens
Understanding Your Results
IGFBP-3 levels are typically below the age-adjusted reference range. This finding, in combination with low IGF-1 and failure on GH stimulation testing, supports a diagnosis of GHD in children or adults.
IGFBP-3 levels may be elevated above the reference range, reflecting sustained overproduction of growth hormone. Elevated IGFBP-3 in conjunction with elevated IGF-1 and failure to suppress GH on oral glucose tolerance testing is consistent with acromegaly.
Elevated IGFBP-3 may indicate excessive doses of recombinant human growth hormone therapy. Serial monitoring helps guide dose adjustments.
Levels within the age-appropriate reference range suggest normal GH-IGF axis activity. However, normal IGFBP-3 does not fully exclude GHD, and stimulation testing may still be required.
Low IGFBP-3 may result from reduced hepatic synthesis due to liver disease or malnutrition rather than GH deficiency. Clinical correlation is essential.
Consult an endocrinologist if your child is experiencing unexplained short stature, delayed growth, or delayed puberty. Adults should seek evaluation if they have symptoms such as decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, fatigue, or features suggestive of acromegaly such as enlarged hands or feet. If you are currently on growth hormone therapy and your IGFBP-3 levels are abnormal, discuss dose adjustment with your treating physician.
Limitations
- ⚠IGFBP-3 is not a stand-alone diagnostic test; it must be interpreted alongside IGF-1, GH stimulation or suppression tests, and clinical findings
- ⚠Levels may be influenced by nutritional status, liver function, and age, requiring age-specific reference ranges
- ⚠A single IGFBP-3 measurement may not capture pulsatile GH secretion patterns
- ⚠Results may vary between different assay methods and laboratories
- ⚠Not recommended as the sole test for confirming acromegaly; GH suppression test with oral glucose tolerance is the gold standard
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or soreness at the needle insertion site
- ●Slight risk of infection at the puncture site
- ●Rarely, lightheadedness or dizziness during blood draw
Interfering Factors
- ●Severe liver disease may reduce IGFBP-3 synthesis and lower levels
- ●Malnutrition and chronic illness can depress IGFBP-3 levels independent of GH status
- ●Exogenous growth hormone administration can alter IGFBP-3 concentrations
- ●Estrogen therapy and oral contraceptives may affect IGFBP-3 levels
- ●Puberty and age-related physiological changes influence reference ranges
- ●Severe renal impairment may affect IGFBP-3 metabolism and clearance
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | IGF Binding Protein - 3 IGFBP - 3 Test | IGF-1 Test | Growth Hormone (GH) Stimulation Test | Growth Hormone (GH) Suppression Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | IGF Binding Protein - 3 IGFBP - 3 Test | IGF-1 is the primary mediator of growth hormone action and is more commonly used as a screening marker for GH disorders. IGFBP-3 is used as a complementary marker and is particularly useful in children where IGF-1 levels may be less reliable. | GH stimulation tests directly assess the pituitary's ability to produce GH in response to provocative agents. IGFBP-3 provides an indirect, longer-term reflection of GH secretion and is less affected by the pulsatile nature of GH release. | GH suppression tests (oral glucose tolerance test) are the gold standard for diagnosing acromegaly. Elevated IGFBP-3 supports the diagnosis but is not sufficient on its own. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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