--- title: IGF-1 Test type: biomarker url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/igf-1" also_known_as: - igf-1 - insulin-like growth factor 1 - insulin like growth factor 1 category: Hormones units: - ng/mL order_price_usd: 37.99 order_item: IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor) order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/igf-1-test" reviewed_at: 2026-09-08 --- # IGF-1 > 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. Also known as: igf-1, insulin-like growth factor 1, insulin like growth factor 1. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | 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 | ## What does IGF-1 measure? Reflects growth hormone activity. Naturally declines with age. ## What is the normal range for IGF-1? | Population | Reference 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 intervals differ slightly between labs; the range printed on your report is the one to interpret against. Ranges are usually set so 95% of healthy people fall inside them. ## What does a high IGF-1 mean? High IGF-1 means the liver is receiving a strong growth-hormone signal. In adults the important cause is acromegaly — a pituitary tumor over-producing growth hormone — but supplemental growth hormone or IGF-1, peptide products marketed for muscle and recovery, puberty and pregnancy also raise it. Because IGF-1 is stable through the day it is the screening test of choice; a high value is confirmed with a glucose-suppressed GH test. ### Common causes of high IGF-1 1. Growth hormone therapy, IGF-1 or GH-secretagogue peptides (ipamorelin, CJC-1295, MK-677) 2. Acromegaly — GH-secreting pituitary adenoma 3. Puberty and pregnancy (physiological) 4. Hyperthyroidism (mild) 5. Lab variation: assays and age bands differ — compare within one lab ### Symptoms that go with high IGF-1 - Often none - Enlarging hands and feet, ring or shoe size going up, coarser facial features, jaw growth - Headaches, sweating, joint pain, snoring or sleep apnea, carpal tunnel symptoms ### What clinicians usually check next - Repeat with the same lab; review any supplements, peptides or GH use - Oral glucose tolerance test with GH measurement — the confirmatory test when acromegaly is possible - Pituitary MRI, prolactin and other pituitary hormones if GH fails to suppress - A1c and glucose — excess GH raises blood sugar Follow-up tests at TestWell: [Prolactin](https://www.test-well.com/tests/prolactin) ($39.99), [Glucose](https://www.test-well.com/tests/glucose-basic) ($14.99). ### Seek care promptly if - New vision loss or severe persistent headaches with a high IGF-1 — prompt evaluation for a pituitary mass **Can peptides or supplements raise IGF-1?** Yes. GH secretagogues (ipamorelin, CJC-1295, MK-677, sermorelin) and injected GH or IGF-1 raise it directly; that's the intended effect and a common reason people test. Tell the clinician what you take — a high value on a peptide is expected, off everything it's a pituitary question. **What IGF-1 level suggests acromegaly?** Any value above the age-adjusted upper limit without an explanation (puberty, pregnancy, GH use) warrants a glucose-suppression GH test. The higher above range, the more likely; no single cutoff diagnoses it. ## What does a low IGF-1 mean? Low IGF-1 most often reflects things other than growth-hormone deficiency: poor nutrition or recent weight loss, uncontrolled diabetes, liver disease, hypothyroidism, chronic illness, high-dose estrogen and simply older age (the reference bands fall by decade). True adult GH deficiency — usually after pituitary surgery, radiation or a tumor — is confirmed with a stimulation test, not IGF-1 alone. ### Common causes of low IGF-1 1. Aging (expected decline; bands are age-specific) 2. Malnutrition, fasting, eating disorders, recent significant weight loss 3. Poorly controlled diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, hypothyroidism 4. Oral estrogen (raises GH but lowers IGF-1), chronic inflammation 5. Adult GH deficiency: pituitary tumor, surgery, radiation, traumatic brain injury (less common) 6. Laron syndrome and other GH insensitivity (rare, childhood) ### Symptoms that go with low IGF-1 - Often none - Low energy, reduced muscle mass and exercise capacity, increased central fat, low mood — nonspecific and shared with many conditions ### What clinicians usually check next - Repeat with the same lab; check TSH, A1c, liver panel, nutrition and medications - If pituitary disease is possible: other pituitary hormones (cortisol, TSH/free T4, testosterone or estradiol, prolactin) - GH stimulation test (glucagon or macimorelin) through an endocrinologist — the diagnostic step - Do not start GH or peptides on an IGF-1 value alone Follow-up tests at TestWell: [TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/tsh) ($26.99), [TSH + Free T4](https://www.test-well.com/tests/tsh-with-free-t4) ($27.99), [Cortisol (AM)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cortisol-am) ($26.99), [Estradiol (E2)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/estradiol) ($35.99), [Prolactin](https://www.test-well.com/tests/prolactin) ($39.99), [Free T4 (Thyroxine)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/free-t4-test) ($23.99). **Does low IGF-1 mean I need growth hormone?** No. Low IGF-1 has many non-pituitary causes and normal IGF-1 doesn't exclude deficiency either. GH therapy for adults requires a failed stimulation test plus a structural pituitary cause; it is not prescribed from IGF-1 alone. **Why do IGF-1 ranges drop with age?** GH secretion declines steadily after the 20s, so a 65-year-old's normal is well below a 25-year-old's. Always read the result against the age band, not the overall range. ## How do you get tested for IGF-1? | Order | Type | Price | Includes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/igf-1-test) | Single test | $37.99 | This marker | | [Men's Hormone Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/mens-hormone-panel) | Panel | $199.99 | 7 tests | | [Longevity & Anti-Aging Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/longevity-panel) | Panel | $239.99 | 13 tests | | [Peptide Therapy Monitoring Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/standardized-peptide-panel) | Panel | $259.99 | 19 tests | | [Healthy Aging Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/healthy-aging-panel) | Panel | $299.99 | 15 tests | ## Quest vs Labcorp vs BioReference | Lab | Available | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $37.99 | Choose Quest at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | Labcorp | Yes | $37.99 | Choose Labcorp at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $37.99 | New York and New Jersey orders route here automatically — state rules keep Quest and Labcorp from accepting self-ordered draws. | ## Common questions about IGF-1 ### Do I need a doctor's order to test my igf-1? No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor. ### How long does it take to get IGF-1 results? Most IGF-1 results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal. ### How much does a IGF-1 test cost? Our IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor) starts at $37.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. ### Do I need to fast before my IGF-1 test? Fasting is not required for the IGF-1 test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day. ### Which lab will process my IGF-1 test? Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations. ## Sources - [Mayo Clinic Labs](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/8836) - [MedlinePlus (NIH) — IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) Test](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/igf-1-insulin-like-growth-factor-1-test/) ## Related biomarkers - [Total Testosterone](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/total-testosterone) - [Free Testosterone](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/free-testosterone) - [SHBG](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/shbg) - [Estradiol](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/estradiol) - [Cortisol AM](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/cortisol-am) - [DHEA-S](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dhea-s) - [Reference range lookup tool](https://www.test-well.com/tools/reference-range-lookup) - [Lab unit converter](https://www.test-well.com/tools/lab-unit-converter) - [All biomarkers](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers) --- Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-08. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/igf-1 Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.