How
do I prepare my child for Growth Hormone Testing?
What
can we expect during the test?
What
happens after the test?
How do I prepare my child for Growth Hormone Testing?
Growth hormone testing requires three full hours. This step in the evaluation
will have been prearranged by you and our pediatric endocrine team following
an initial evaluation in the clinic. Children may have water and their
regular medications but should eat no food until the test is completed.
Bring a snack for this, as the child will be very hungry. Please arrive
promptly by 9 a.m.
What can we expect during
the test?
The nurse will begin by inserting a small vein catheter (or butterfly
needle) in your child and taping it in place. This serves as the blood
drawing faucet, a painless way to get blood every thirty minutes. Small
amounts of blood will be taken each half hour. Two medications that cause
growth hormone to be released by the body will be given during this time.
Your doctor or nurse can tell you more about the medications selected
for your child.
During the test, your child and you will stay in a pleasant playroom
with toys, comfortable chairs, and a television and VCR with many children's
movies. Since other families are also using this space, we ask that you
do not bring other children, unless another adult accompanies you to assist
with the other children.
What happens after the test?
After the test, your child can return to a regular schedule. Test results
will be relayed to you in a few weeks.
This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.