Stimulation Test



STIMULATION TEST



"Stimulation is the action of various agents (stimuli) on muscles, nerves, or a sensory end organ, by which activity is evoked; especially, the nervous impulse produced by various agents on nerves, or a sensory end organ, by which the part connected with the nerve is thrown into a state of activity." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimulation)

Simulation tests are procedures that could have an affect in the production of a certain hormone or as such. It could also determine if the particular gland is serving its purpose. This technique will enhance or "stimulate" the exact gland, helping the physician to detect and understand if hormones are being secreted and produced in the average amount.

In the Growth Inhibiting hormone, the stimulation test detects if the gland had secreted enough hormones that could be an aid in the diagnosis of some diseases such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

In this particular test, the patient must have fasted for 10-12 hours. Then, a sample of blood is drawn after. Then, under close medical supervision, you will be given intravenous solution of insulin or arginine. Blood samples are then drawn at timed intervals, and GH levels are tested in each to see if your pituitary gland was stimulated by the insulin (or arginine) to produce expected levels of GH.



Photo taken from this site:
http://www.topnews.in/healthcare/sites/default/files/Brain-stimulation2.jpg

References:
http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/growth_hormone/test.html
http://www.norditropin-us.com/parents/stimulation_testing.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stimulation

4 comments:



Jena Isle said...

Erica,

Edit as previously instructed. Create spaces between lines. See me for your ATAQ on Monday.

Luke said...

Hi, Shane. That image looks fantastic! And a nicely written post, too. If you keep on writing, your articles could end up in some medical journal or something.

zorlone said...

Erika,

Defining the stimulation test plus giving an example makes the topic more easy to remember. Keep up the good work.

Z

ERIKA said...

Thank you sir luke and dr.z :)

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