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GH Stimulation Test

Meaning

The Growth Hormone (GH) Stimulation Test is a dynamic, critical endocrine diagnostic procedure specifically designed to rigorously assess the functional capacity of the anterior pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone. This clinical test involves the controlled administration of a pharmacological secretagogue, such as arginine or macimorelin, which is intended to provoke a maximum, robust release of endogenous GH from the somatotroph cells. The subsequent measurement of the peak serum GH concentration definitively determines if a clinically significant deficiency is present, which is essential for accurately diagnosing adult growth hormone deficiency.