Test Results For:
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Test Overview
- Test Name
-
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Test Code
- TSH
Short Description
TSH
Test Name
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Test Code
TSH
Category
Immunoassay
TAT
Main Lab:
6
Hour(s)
Family Site:
<6hrs, <8hrs
Specimen(s)
1 x Venous blood - 5 mL Tube - Gold - SST-Serum Separator Tube
Specimen Type
SST-Serum Separator Tube
Specimen Format
Tube
Specimen Colour
Gold
Specimen Volume
5 mL
Sampling Order
2
Origin
Venous blood
Collection Time after baseline
-
Transport Temperature
15-25°C
Accepted Other Specimens
Lithium Heparin Plasma
TAT
Main Lab:
6
Hour(s)
Family Site:
<6hrs, <8hrs
Test Stability
Room Temp:
24 Hour(s)
2–8°C:
7 Day(s)
Methodology
Chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA)
Specimen Type
SST-Serum Separator Tube
Other Type of Specimen Accepted
Lithium Heparin Plasma
Delay before pre-treatment
24
Transport temperature
15-25°C
Test stability at room temperature
24 Hour(s)
Test stability at 2–8°C
7 Day(s)
Haemolysis interference
No
Clinical Interest
TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). These hormones regulate the body's metabolism.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) assays are critically important in the clinical setting for diagnosing and managing thyroid disorders.
Elevated TSH levels typically indicate hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and depression.
Patients on thyroid hormone replacement therapy (e.g., levothyroxine) require regular TSH testing to ensure the dosage is appropriate. The goal is to maintain TSH within a target range, usually the lower half of the reference range.
Suppressed or low TSH levels usually indicate hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive, producing excessive thyroid hormones. Symptoms include weight loss, heat intolerance, anxiety, and palpitations.
Patients receiving antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery for hyperthyroidism need TSH monitoring to avoid overtreatment and subsequent hypothyroidism.
Clinical Information Required
History of thyroid or cervical surgery or irradiation
Patient Collection Note
-
LOINC Code
16-3, 3016-3
Outwork
No