What
can we expect from a Puberty Test?
What
will the test determine?
When
can we get the results?
What can we expect from a Puberty Test?
This test takes one and half hours to complete. This will have been prearranged
by you and our pediatric endocrine team following an initial evaluation
in clinic. Your child should arrive promptly at the scheduled time. A
light breakfast is acceptable, unless your child is also having an abdominal
ultrasound that morning. Please encourage your child to have a glass of
water before leaving home.
The nurse will insert a small plastic catheter (or butterfly needle)
into a vein, and tape this in place. This will be used as a painless way
to obtain blood samples every fifteen minutes. A medication called gonadotropin
releasing hormone will be given through the vein that prompts the body
to release puberty hormones.
What will the test determine?
This test, commonly called an LRF test, will determine whether the pituitary
gland is responding normally based upon the age of your child.
When can we get the results?
These test results are available within several days. Your doctor will
contact you with the test results and any recommendations.
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.