Measure IGF‑1 levels for insight into hormone and metabolic health.
The Insulin‑Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF‑1) Blood Test measures the level of IGF‑1 in your blood. IGF‑1 is a hormone primarily produced by the liver in response to growth hormone released by your pituitary gland (a small gland at the base of your brain). IGF-1 plays an important role in growth, metabolism, and tissue maintenance throughout adulthood.
Because IGF‑1 levels remain relatively stable throughout the day, they are commonly used as an indicator of overall growth hormone activity. Measuring IGF‑1 provides insight into factors related to energy levels, muscle and bone health, and metabolic function, supporting conversations with your healthcare provider when reviewing symptoms, lifestyle factors, or deciding whether additional hormone testing is appropriate.
Preparation: If you’re taking a supplement containing biotin (also called vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R), commonly found in products promoting nail, skin and hair health, we recommend that you wait at least 72 hours from your last dose before taking the test.
Insulin‑Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF‑1) is a hormone produced by the liver in response to growth hormone and helps regulate growth, muscle development, metabolism, and bone strength. This test measures the total amount of IGF‑1 in your blood to assess overall growth‑hormone activity. Low levels may be linked to fatigue, reduced muscle mass, or changes in body composition, while high levels may suggest excessive growth‑hormone activity that can contribute to headaches, joint discomfort, or abnormal tissue growth.
IGF‑1 levels naturally change with age. Testing may help provide information about growth hormone activity, especially when symptoms or medical history suggest a hormone‑related concern.
IGF‑1 influences muscle mass, fat distribution, and energy levels. If you’re experiencing changes such as muscle weakness, unexplained fatigue or changes in body composition, your healthcare provider may consider IGF-1 testing as part of a broader evaluation.
Whether you’re trying to gain a better understanding of symptoms you’ve been experiencing or taking a proactive approach to wellness, IGF-1 testing can help guide discussions with a healthcare provider about hormone balance and next steps.
1. MedlinePlus. IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) Test. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Updated October 4, 2023. Accessed March 16, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/igf-1-insulin-like-growth-factor-1-test/
2. Labcorp. Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) [Test No. 010363]. Accessed March 16, 2026. https://www.labcorp.com/tests/010363/insulin-like-growth-factor-1-igf-1
<p>1. MedlinePlus. IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) Test. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Updated October 4, 2023. Accessed March 16, 2026. <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/igf-1-insulin-like-growth-factor-1-test/" title="growth-factor-1-test" aria-label="growth-factor-1-test">https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/igf-1-insulin-like-growth-factor-1-test/</a></p> <p>2. Labcorp. Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) [Test No. 010363]. Accessed March 16, 2026. <a href="https://www.labcorp.com/tests/010363/insulin-like-growth-factor-1-igf-1" target="_blank" title="Insulin Like Growth" aria-label="Insulin Like Growth">https://www.labcorp.com/tests/010363/insulin-like-growth-factor-1-igf-1</a></p>
Simply purchase this test online. A healthcare provider will review and approve your test requests; no healthcare provider visit is required.
Visit a Labcorp location near you for sample collection. Visits may be scheduled online.
View your easy-to-read results online in your Labcorp Patient™ account, including Linked Accounts. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail.
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Symptoms of low IGF‑1 may include:
Symptoms of high IGF‑1 may include:
It's important to note that symptoms can vary widely and may be caused by other conditions. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider who can interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
IGF‑1 plays a major role in growth, cell repair, and metabolism.
It helps:
In adults, IGF‑1 affects energy levels, body composition, and healthy aging.
Because IGF-1 levels vary by age and sex, your test results will come with age‑ and sex‑specific reference ranges, so you can easily see whether your level falls within the expected range for you.
Consult with your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about the results of your IGF-1 blood test.
Many factors can influence your IGF-1 levels:
Your testing will be performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. Labcorp provides leading-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and specialty testing laboratories. Our labs perform regular quality assurance testing to ensure our results are accurate.
Your results will be provided to you through our secure online portal to view or print. Results are also made available through a secure portal to the independent healthcare provider who placed your test order. If you are accessing your results through your Labcorp Patient™ account, all users linked to the account will have access to all OnDemand test results. Results may also be provided to a local, state, and/or federal health authority; for example, many states require the testing laboratory and physician to report test results for certain communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, to local or state health departments.
If you have questions or comments regarding the Labcorp Notice of Privacy Practices, or have a complaint about our use or disclosure of your PHI or our privacy practices, please contact: privacyofficer@labcorp.com, call us at (877) 234-4722 (877-23-HIPAA) and ask for the Labcorp HIPAA Privacy Officer, or send a written request to: HIPAA Privacy Officer, Labcorp, 531 South Spring Street, Burlington, NC 27215. You also may file a complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Visit the Labcorp OnDemand® website to browse and purchase laboratory tests and create your Labcorp Patient™ account to view your results. All Labcorp OnDemand testing requires an order from an authorized healthcare professional. For your convenience, Labcorp OnDemand has contracted with independent professional entities (collectively, Providers) to deliver healthcare provider services. Visit a Labcorp location for sample collection; or, if using an at-home collection kit, collect your sample yourself. We’ll let you know when your results are ready and can be accessed through your Labcorp Patient™ account.
To align with clinical best practices, we’ve set an age maximum of 100 for consumer-initiated testing. This limit was set to encourage individuals in more advanced age groups - who may have complex medical needs - to receive personalized guidance about testing from their healthcare providers.
