combined pituitary stimulation test
Last reviewed 01/2018
The combined pituitary stimulation test is a method for simultaneously assessing hypofunction of anterior pituitary hormones - GH, ACTH, FSH, LH, TSH, and prolactin.
Insulin, GnRH, and TRH are all injected intravenously and the level of pituitary hormones from repeated blood samples taken over a 2 hour period is measured. Blood glucose levels are monitored to ensure the adequacy of the hypoglycaemia.
Hypofunction is confirmed by the lack of response of the appropriate hormone:
- GH, ACTH - lack of response to insulin
- FSH, LH - lack of response to GnRH
- TSH, prolactin - lack of response to TRH