The IGFBP-3 assays allow sensitive determination of the concentration of IGFBP-3 in human serum and other sample matrices such as urine, follicular fluid and seminal fluid. Serum IGFBP-3 concentration is influenced by growth hormone, age, sexual development stage, diet, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney functions. In clinical diagnostics, serum IGFBP-3 concentration can be used to diagnose growth hormone deficiency and excess.
A major biological activity of IGFBP molecules is, among others, the binding and targeted release of IGF-I. Various studies have shown that increased IGFBP-3 fragmentation occurs in catabolic situations (sepsis, trauma), burns, tumor diseases, but also during pregnancy. Mediagnost therefore offers a Ligand binding assay (E04A), which detects only IGFBP-3 that is capable of binding IGF-I.