On laboratory scale, germane can be prepared by the reaction of Ge(IV) compounds with these hydride reagents.

[4][5] A typical synthesis involved the reaction of sodium germanate with potassium borohydride.

[8] With alkali metals in liquid ammonia GeH4 reacts to give white crystalline MGeH3 compounds.

In 1970, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) published the latest changes and set the occupational exposure threshold limit value at 0.2 ppm for an 8-hour time weighted average.

[13] Inhalation or exposure may result in malaise, headache, dizziness, fainting, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, kidney injury, and hemolytic effects.