A test done on blood to determine certain hormonal functions, such as growth hormone secretory capacity and pituitary or adrenocortical insufficiency.
A test to determine a patient’s hormonal responses to induced hypoglycemia. After 0.1 IU of insulin/kg is given intravenously, blood is drawn at regular intervals to measure serum cortisol in patients with suspected adrenal insufficiency or growth hormone in suspected growth hormone deficiency. The goal of the test is to stress the body with low blood glucose levels (>40 mg/dl).