Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 3, Serum
Use
The IGFBP-3 test is useful for diagnosing growth disorders, diagnosing adult growth hormone deficiency, and monitoring recombinant human growth hormone treatment. It can be an adjunct to insulin-like growth factor 1 and growth hormone in diagnosing and monitoring acromegaly and gigantism. IGFBP-3, a 264-amino acid peptide, is the most abundant of IGFBPs, regulating IGF-1 bioavailability and acting potentially as a prognostic tumor marker. Low levels indicate GH deficiency, while elevated levels suggest GH overproduction, typical in conditions like acromegaly and gigantism.
Special Instructions
Patients should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin for 12 hours before specimen collection. The test is available Monday through Saturday.
Limitations
IGFBP-3 reference ranges are age-dependent, and levels depend on the patient's age. Discrepant IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 results may occur due to liver and kidney disease, preanalytical errors, or antibodies causing assay interference. IGFBP-3 assays vary among platforms, complicating result comparisons. It's unreliable as a prognostic marker in some cancers, necessitating careful interpretation by clinicians if discrepancies appear.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Chemiluminescent Immunometric Assay)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2483-6
- 2483-6
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.8 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge promptly and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
Patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7) for 12 hours before specimen collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis and gross icterus.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 14 days |