DISCLAIMER: This link was displayed at 05:06:31 06/07/2026 and expires on 11/07/2026 if printed. Specimen Collection
This test may be vetted by a pathologist.
The clinical information for the test must be clearly written on the request form. If clinical information is not provided, or does not provide sufficient justification for the test, the test may be declined.
Declined tests :
If a test is declined, the specimen will be held for a reasonable period (usually 3 weeks but dependant on the stability of the sample). Medical practitioners seeking approval for a declined test should email the on-call Chemical Pathologist ( [email protected] ) , giving the patient's name and NHI number and the clinical justification for the test. If unable to email, call the on-call Chemical Pathologist via Lablink (09-3078995) and identify yourself as a doctor.
Test vetting policy 4 mL Plain Blood 3.5 mL SST Blood 1 mL Microsample Whole Blood 1 mL Paediatric Micro-SST Blood Reference Intervals
Units: ng/ml (ug/L)
The reference intervals above apply to IGF-1 measured using the Diasorin Liaison analyser. The intervals represent the 2.5th and 97.5th centiles and are derived from Bidlingmaier et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 99 (5): 1712-1721, 2014.
Uncertainty of Measurement: 15%
Conversion factor :
ng/mL = ug/L
ug/L x 0.13 = nmol/L
nmol/L x 7.7 = ug/L
For an IGF-1 SD score calculator , click on the link below or contact [email protected]
Download: Spreadsheet: - IGF-1 SD score calculator Liaison version 5.xlsx
Turnaround Time: Within 1 week
Performed once a week Assay Method
Principle : Sandwich type immunoassay
Assay : Diasorin
Analyser : Diasorin Liaison Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
Low IGF-I values are consistent with growth hormone deficiency or resistance, but are also seen in malnutrition. The diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency may require confirmation with a GH stimulation test.
High IGF-I values are consistent with acromegaly, and simple measurement of growth hormone and IGF-I is an adequate screen for this disorder.
Requests for IGF-1 tests may be vetted. Criteria for approval of IGF-1 tests:
Tests requested by endocrinologists or paediatricians will be approved Approved for investigation or monitoring of short stature, hypopituitarism or acromegaly - please state this clearly on the request form NOT approved for "wellness testing" or chronic fatigue.
Contact Information
The chemical pathology team can be reached via email: [email protected] or via Lablink (09) 307 4949 ext 22000 or 09-3078995
Emails will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist. Include the patients NHI.
After-hours: contact Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours .
Dr Samarina Musaad (Clinical Lead) : [email protected] ext. 22402 Dr Cam Kyle : [email protected] ext 22052 Dr Weldon Chiu : [email protected] ext. 23427 Dr Campbell Heron : [email protected] ext. 23427 Dr Sakunthala Jayasinghe [email protected] Dr Owen Yi [email protected] Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories
Stability:
Sample Type Stability Whole blood 3 hours at room temperature Serum
24 hours at 4oC
12 months frozen
NOTE : Heparin plasma is unsuitable for IGF-1 by this method