IGF-1 levels: what's normal, high and low
Reflects growth hormone activity. Naturally declines with age.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
IGF-1 is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 116 – 358 ng/mL (age 18–30; more bands below). At TestWell it's $37.99 all-in as IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor), results in 3–5 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- ng/mL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 3–5 business days
- Price
- $37.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
IGF-1 Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18–30 | 116 – 358 ng/mL |
| age 31–50 | 94.0 – 252 ng/mL |
| age 51–70 | 81.0 – 225 ng/mL |
| age 71+ | 53.0 – 175 ng/mL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
What your IGF-1 result may mean
Can reflect excess growth hormone (e.g. pituitary adenoma). Used in evaluating acromegaly.
What a high IGF-1 means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Can reflect growth hormone deficiency, malnutrition, or chronic illness.
What a low IGF-1 means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
How do you get a IGF-1 test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. IGF-1 is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor) | This marker only | $37.99 |
| Men's Hormone Panel | 7 tests | $199.99 |
| Longevity & Anti-Aging Panel | 13 tests | $239.99 |
| Peptide Therapy Monitoring Panel | 19 tests | $259.99 |
| Healthy Aging Panel | 15 tests | $299.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for IGF-1: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $37.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $37.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $37.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Hormones biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside IGF-1.
Frequently asked
Can reflect excess growth hormone (e.g. pituitary adenoma). Used in evaluating acromegaly. A single result above the reference range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician — often a repeat test and related markers — not a diagnosis on its own.
Ready to test your igf-1?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $37.99.