The IGF-1, LC/MS test is a highly accurate and specific method used to measure Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone that reflects growth hormone (GH) activity and plays a key role in growth, metabolism, and tissue repair. This test is commonly used to evaluate growth disorders, diagnose and monitor acromegaly (GH excess), assess growth hormone deficiency (GHD), and guide GH or IGF-1 replacement therapy. Unlike standard immunoassays, which can be affected by IGF binding proteins and yield inaccurate results, the LC/MS method precisely measures intact IGF-1 with high sensitivity and minimal interference. It also allows for detection of rare IGF-1 variants and provides standardized results based on sex- and age-adjusted reference ranges. IGF-1 levels are interpreted using Z-scores, where values above +2.0 may suggest GH excess, below -2.0 may indicate GHD, and values within ±2.0 are typically considered normal. LC/MS testing is especially useful in patients undergoing long-term treatment, as it provides consistent and reliable measurements—making it a preferred tool in endocrine evaluation and therapy management.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 is a member of the family of structurally homologous proteins (= those with a common evolutionary origin) that specifically binds and modulates the activities of IGF-1 and IGF-2.

Serum levels of IGFBP-1 exhibit considerable diurnal variation (= the variations occur in response to circadian rhythms) with levels highest early in the morning and lowest in the evening. Serum IGFBP-1 levels are controlled by insulin with the postprandial increase (= after a meal) in insulin levels producing a four- to fivefold decrease in IGFBP-1 levels relative to fasting levels.

Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3) is an important protein in our body that helps manage growth and development. It mainly works by controlling the activity of growth factors, IGF-I and IGF-II, which are crucial for cell growth. IGFBP-3 is mostly produced in the liver and travels in the blood, often attached to these growth factors.

Apart from regulating growth factors, IGFBP-3 also has its own roles. It can influence cell growth, the process of cells dying (apoptosis), and cell transformation (differentiation). These functions make it important not just in normal body processes like growth and aging, but also in diseases like cancer and metabolic disorders such as diabetes.

IGFBP-3 is a multifunctional protein integral to regulating various physiological processes from growth to cancer progression and metabolic health. Its potential as a biomarker underscores its importance in ongoing research aimed at developing new treatments for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and age-related disorders.

IgG, Quant, CSF stands for Immunoglobulin G, Quantitative, Cerebrospinal Fluid. This test measures the concentration of IgG, a type of antibody, in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—the clear fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord.

What is IgG?

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most abundant antibody in the body. It plays a critical role in immune defense by identifying and neutralizing viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances. IgG is normally found in the blood but can also be present in small amounts in the CSF.

IgG is a combination of four slightly different types of IgG called IgG subclasses: IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4. When one or more of these subclasses is persistently low and total IgG is normal, a subclass deficiency is present.

IgG is a combination of four slightly different types of IgG called IgG subclasses: IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4. When one or more of these subclasses is persistently low and total IgG is normal, a subclass deficiency is present.

IgG is a combination of four slightly different types of IgG called IgG subclasses: IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4. When one or more of these subclasses is persistently low and total IgG is normal, a subclass deficiency is present.

IgG is a combination of four slightly different types of IgG called IgG subclasses: IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4. When one or more of these subclasses is persistently low and total IgG is normal, a subclass deficiency is present.

The IgG Synthesis Rate (CSF) measures how much immunoglobulin G (IgG) is being actively produced within the central nervous system (CNS)—specifically the brain and spinal cord. It helps determine whether the immune system is generating antibodies inside the CNS, which can signal inflammation, infection, or autoimmune activity affecting the brain or spinal cord.

Why it matters:
While some IgG naturally crosses from the blood into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), an elevated IgG synthesis rate means the immune system is producing extra IgG locally within the CNS. This is a hallmark of conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic CNS infections, or autoimmune neuroinflammatory diseases.

The IgG/Alb Ratio, CSF helps distinguish whether elevated IgG in the cerebrospinal fluid is due to local immune activity or simply leakage through a damaged blood-brain barrier. A high ratio often points to neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or chronic CNS infections. A normal or low ratio suggests stable immune activity and barrier integrity.

IL-1 beta refers to Interleukin-1 beta. Interleukin-1 beta is one of the cytokines assessed in the CytoDx Cytokine Response Profile offered by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory. Cytokines are critical mediators of immune responses, and their imbalances have been linked to chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.