Dynamic tests in endocrinology are based on an understanding of key regulators of hormonal secretion. A simple rule of thumb is to suppress a hormone if you suspect it is being over-secreted. Conversely, stimulate a hormone if you suspect it is being under secreted or absent.
Infographics summarize the rationale, limitations, performance, and interpretation of each test. Basic physiologic concepts are highlighted, to facilitate an appreciation of each test. Each infographic can be downloaded for printing purposes (pdf version available).
Sample infographic of a dynamic test

This is a sample visual infographic
A Collection of Dynamic Tests
Cosyntropin (cortrosyn) stimulation test : A dynamic test for the evaluation of suspected adrenal insufficiency. The test cannot distinguish between primary and secondary AI Limitations of this test | Print version |
Growth hormone suppression test : This dynamic test is used for the evaluation of suspected acromegaly. Limitations of this test | Print version |
GHRH-Arginine Growth hormone stimulation test : This dynamic test is used for the evaluation of suspected growth hormone deficiency. Alternatives include the ITT and Glucagon stimulation tests | Print version |
Glucagon Stimulation Test: This dynamic test is used for the evaluation of suspected growth hormone deficiency. Alternatives include the ITT and GHRH-arginine. Limitations of this test | Print version |
Insulin Tolerance Test : This dynamic test is used for the evaluation of suspected growth hormone deficiency. It is a gold standard test for evaluating suspected secondary adrenal insufficiency. | Print version |
In this article, we will review the ACTH (cortrosyn) stimulation test in
The secretin stimulation test is used in the timely diagnosis of gastrinoma
What is the Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST)?The original protocol for assessing Cushing’s
This Metyrapone Test is a stimulation test to assess the hypothalamic pituitary
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