This test is performed to assess how your body responds as regards growth hormone release when you are given a sugar drink.

You are requested not to eat or drink anything from mid-night on the day of the test.

You will be asked to lie flat for the duration of the test. Your named nurse will introduce herself and explain what to expect.

A small needle/canula will be inserted into a vein in the back of your hand or arm. This is called a venflon and allows your named nurse to obtain blood samples without causing too much discomfort.

We will take a blood sample to check the level of blood sugar after fasting overnight. We will also check the fasting growth hormone level.

You will then be asked to drink a standard amount of glucose (75 grams), dissolved in   water, within 5 to 10 minutes.

This glucose drink will raise your blood sugar level and should be back to a normal value within 2 hours after the glucose drink.

In a normal person Growth hormone usually becomes lower than the baseline value after the glucose drink.

In a person with abnormally high production of Growth Hormone, baseline Growth Hormone level will be high and it will get even higher after the glucose drink.

We will take the blood samples at 30 minutes interval for 2 hours after the glucose drink to check the changes of blood sugar and growth hormone.

On completion your venflon will be removed and you will be offered refreshments prior to going home. You should have some rest and also have something to eat before you go home after the test.

Your doctor will be informed of the results.

Please note that Clinical Investigation Unit has no smoking policy.
If you have any queries or worries, please do not hesitate to contact the nursing staff for further information on 01382 632494.
We hope to make your stay as pleasant as possible.