Skip to main content

Arginine Stimulation Test

Meaning

The Arginine Stimulation Test is a provocative endocrine diagnostic procedure used to assess the pituitary gland’s capacity to release Growth Hormone (GH). This test involves the controlled administration of the amino acid L-Arginine, which acts as a secretagogue for endogenous GH. Clinicians utilize this method to evaluate the functional integrity of the somatotropic axis and confirm a potential diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) in both adult and pediatric populations. The procedure is a cornerstone of the endocrinological toolkit for evaluating pituitary reserve.