Endocrinology Testing in Day Medicine: Growth Hormone Suppression Study

These instructions are for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia patients who are scheduled for a growth hormone suppression study to determine if their bodies make too much growth hormone.

Important information:

Your child is scheduled to have growth hormone testing to determine if their body makes and releases too much growth hormone.

Preparing for the test

Instructions for eating for eating and drinking:

• Your child is allowed water the morning of the test. They cannot have anything else to eat or drink after midnight. Give a snack just before bedtime to help prevent early morning hunger.

• Give your child their daily medicines the morning of the test, unless your endocrine provider instructs you not to.

• Encourage extra fluids for two days before the scheduled appointment. This will help your child feel better and may help the team place the IV more quickly.

Instructions for the day of testing:

• Growth hormone suppression studies are performed on the Day Medicine Unit located on the 3rd floor of the Buerger Building. Plan to arrive at your scheduled appointment time. Please allow extra time to park and check in.

• Plan for childcare for siblings. Due to safety concerns for patients who may have a compromised immune system and limited space on the unit, Day Medicine cannot accommodate siblings.

• If you need to cancel testing, please notify Day Medicine (215-590-1668) ahead of time so the appointment slot can be offered to another patient.

• Wear short sleeve shirt if possible. If a long sleeve shirt is worn, please be sure it is loose fitting.

• Bring a snack and a drink for your child to enjoy after the test is completed.

What to expect during the test:

• When you arrive, your child will have an IV (intravenous) line placed in the hand or arm. Once this IV is in place, all blood samples needed will be drawn from the IV.

• The test lasts about 3 hours.

• There is a television in the unit for your child to watch. You may want to bring games, toys, or books to help keep your child occupied.

  • After an initial blood sample is taken, your child will be asked to drink a a sugary glucose drink. Occasional side effects from the glucose drink include nausea, vomiting, bloating and headache.

• Blood samples will be drawn again at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes (about 3 hours) after the medicine is given.

• After the last blood draw, your child will need to eat and drink before going home.

Instructions following the test:

• Your child may return to school and their normal activities tomorrow.

• They can eat a regular diet.

• Your child should take any medicines on their regular schedule.

• Your endocrinology team will contact you as results are interpreted, this could take 2-3 weeks.

If you have any questions about the test, call the Day Medicine Unit at (215) 590-1668.

For any other questions or concerns about your child's care, contact the Division of Endocrinology.

Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes

Reviewed on April 1, 2023, by Vaneeta Bamba, MD