IGF-1 Test
The most reliable single marker of growth hormone (GH) status — IGF-1 is stable across the day, unlike GH itself which is released in pulses.
One-time payment of A$65. GST included. No subscription.
What this panel measures
- IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1): Produced by the liver in response to growth hormone. The level reflects overall GH activity and is the standard lab proxy for chronic GH status.
Who this panel is for
Have you noticed any of these:
- noticed body composition shifting (less muscle, more body fat) despite consistent training
- recovering from workouts much slower than you used to
- unrestorative sleep even with 7+ hours
- skin thinning or energy fading without a clear cause
- considering peptides, TRT or GH-related interventions and want a baseline
- want to track the impact of sleep, training and nutrition changes
How it works
- Order online, no GP referral needed.
- Visit any of 2,000+ accredited collection centres across Australia.
- Results delivered same day to your personal dashboard with clear explanations.
Sample and turnaround
Single blood draw. Fasting not strictly required, but a morning fasting sample gives the most consistent reading. Results back same day.
Frequently asked questions
Why IGF-1 instead of growth hormone (GH) directly?
Growth hormone is released in short pulses and clears within minutes — a single GH reading rarely tells you anything useful. IGF-1 is stable across the day, which makes it the lab-standard proxy for chronic GH activity.
What does low IGF-1 mean?
Lower-than-expected IGF-1 for your age can be associated with reduced GH activity, poor sleep, low caloric or protein intake, or liver issues. It's a signal worth discussing with your doctor — not a diagnosis on its own.
Do I need to fast?
Not strictly required, but a morning fasting sample (before 10am, no food for 8–12 hours, water OK) gives the most consistent reading.
What's the difference between this and the Growth Hormone & Vitality Panel?
This test focuses on IGF-1 alone. The Growth Hormone & Vitality Panel adds IGFBP-3, testosterone, cortisol and DHEA-S for a broader recovery and vitality picture.
Keep reading
Guides
- Testosterone blood test cost — Compare private testosterone blood test prices across Australian providers ($65–$105), what's included in each, and how Medicare item 66695 fits in.
- Blood test without a GP referral — Yes — most common blood tests can be self-ordered in Australia. How direct-to-consumer pathology works, what's available, and when you should still see a GP first.
Biomarkers explained
- Testosterone — Total testosterone, free testosterone, and the binding protein — three markers, the number that actually matters.
- Cortisol — Cortisol is your primary stress hormone — and a useful marker for sleep, recovery and adrenal function.