The Thyroid test is a rapid test that qualitatively detects the presence of TSH (thyroid stimulating
hormone) in whole blood specimens at the sensitivity of 5?lU/ml, utilising a combination of
monoclonal antibodies to selectively detect elevated levels of TSH in whole blood.
Thyroid stimulating hormone (also known as thyrotropin, thyrotropic hormone, TSH, or hTSH for human
TSH) is a pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine
(T4), and then triiodothyronine (T3) which stimulates the metabolism of almost every tissue in the
body.
Testing of TSH levels in the blood is considered the best initial test for hypothyroidism. It is
important to note, as stated by the Subclinical Thyroid Disease Consensus Panel, ?there is no single
level of TSH at which clinical action is always either indicated or contraindicated.? The higher the
TSH, the more compelling is the rationale for treatment.
It is important to consider the individual clinical context (e.g. pregnancy, lipid profile, ATPO
antibodies).