IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY, GROWTH HORMONE

The IHC – Growth Hormone (GH) test is an immunohistochemistry-based diagnostic assay used to detect growth hormone expression in tissue samples. This test is primarily performed in pituitary gland tumor evaluation and helps identify tumors that produce excessive growth hormone.

Growth hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a major role in body growth, metabolism, and tissue repair. Abnormal growth hormone production is commonly associated with pituitary adenomas, especially somatotroph adenomas, which can lead to conditions such as acromegaly in adults and gigantism in children.

Benefits of the Test

• Helps identify growth hormone-producing pituitary tumors
• Assists in accurate classification of pituitary adenomas
• Supports diagnosis of endocrine-related disorders
• Guides treatment planning and prognosis evaluation
• Helps differentiate hormone-secreting from non-secreting tumors

Why Doctors Recommend This Test

Doctors recommend the IHC Growth Hormone test when there is suspicion of pituitary gland tumors or hormone imbalance disorders. It is commonly used in:

• Pituitary adenoma diagnosis
• Acromegaly evaluation
• Gigantism assessment
• Hormone-secreting tumor classification
• Endocrine pathology investigations

The test helps determine whether a tumor is actively producing growth hormone, which is important for selecting appropriate medical or surgical treatment.

Preparation Before Test

No special preparation is required from the patient. Important considerations include:

• The test is performed on pituitary tissue obtained during biopsy or surgery
• No fasting is required for the immunohistochemistry procedure itself
• Hormonal blood test reports and MRI findings may assist interpretation

Normal Reporting Time

The typical turnaround time is 3 to 5 working days, depending on specimen complexity and laboratory workflow.

Who Should Take This Test

• Patients with suspected pituitary adenoma
• Individuals showing symptoms of acromegaly
• Children with abnormal excessive growth patterns
• Patients undergoing pituitary tumor surgery
• Cases requiring endocrine tumor classification

The IHC Growth Hormone test is an important diagnostic tool in endocrine pathology. It helps pathologists identify hormone-producing pituitary tumors accurately, supporting effective diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term patient management.