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A TSH test measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and tells the thyroid gland to make and release the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
See also:
Alternative NamesThyrotropin; Thyroid stimulating hormone
How the test is performedBlood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testYour health care provider may ask you to stop taking drugs that may interfere with the test. Drugs that can affect TSH measurements include:
- Amiodarone
- Antithyroid medications
- Dopamine
- Lithium
- Potassium iodide
- Prednisone
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedYour doctor will order this test if you have signs of abnormal thyroid function (hyperthyrodism or hypothyrodism). It is also used to monitor treatment of these conditions.
Normal ValuesNormal values are 0.4 - 4.0 mIU/L.
However, those without signs or symptoms of an underactive thyroid who have a TSH value over 2.0 mIU/L but normal T4 levels may develop hypothyroidism in the future. This is called subclinical hypothyroidism (mildly underactive thyroid) or early-stage hypothyroidism. Anyone with a TSH value above this level should be followed very closely by a doctor.
If you are being treated for a thyroid disorder, your TSH level should be between 0.5 and 3.0 mIU/L.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanGreater than normal levels may indicate:
- Congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism)
- Exposure to mice (lab workers or veterinarians)
- Primary hypothyroidism
- Thyroid hormone resistance
- TSH-dependent hyperthyroidism
Lower than normal levels may be due to:
- Hyperthyroidism
- TSH deficiency
- Use of certain medications (including dopamine agonists, glucocorticoids, somatostatin analogues, and bexarotene)
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated wit having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
AACE Thyroid Task Force. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists medical guidelines for clinical practice for the evaluation and treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Endocr Pract. 2002;8(6):457-469.
Brent GA, Larsen PR, Davies TF. Hypothyroidism and Thyroiditis. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 12.
What else can I help you with?
What is a tsh of 0.52?
The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone or TSH test is used to test problems associated with thyroid disorders
What color vacutainer and test TSH?
The vacutainer for a TSH test is usually a red and gray or gold top tube, which contains a gel separator. The test should be done in the morning as TSH levels tend to be higher at this time.
Can you eat before TSH test?
Yes you can usually eat before a TSH test, but you should ask your doctor to be sure, as he/she knows your personal health history and if there are any special needs outside of established norms. Eating typically will not affect a TSH test.
What is a normal TSH test result?
Normal TSH levels for adults are 0.5-5.0 mU/L.
What kind of test is TSH?
It is a test for hypothyroidism and evaluates thyroid function.
What to do to have a normal tsh and ft4 test results?
To have a normal tsh result one should be given prophythiouracil or synthroid for life.
What does a high result per a TSH blood test determine?
high TSH than the normal range means hypothyrodism.
How long should I fast for a tsh blood test?
No. Fasting is only required for lab tests which examine lipids, sugars (blood glucose, glycohemoglobin, etc.) and amino acids.
TSH is secreted by the pituitary and acts on the?
TSH-Thyroid Stimulating Hormone What does TSH Test mean? TSH This hormone is secreted from the pituitary gland and regulates the function of the thyroid gland. In the human body, the thyroid gland is located below the urethra or on either side of the trachea. The two main hormones of the thyroid gland are: T3, T4. T3 means:Triodothyronine. T4 means: The pituitary gland called TSH regulates the amount of the hormone T3 and T4. TSH indirectly controls the use of energy in the body and regulates weight, body temperature, muscle strength, etc. Even our mental memory and control. Why do I need a TSH Test? Excess TSH hormone is called hyperthyroidism and low secretion of THS is called hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms of increased THS include anxiety, weight loss, trembling hands and feet, chest tightness, swelling of the body, swelling of the eyes, and trouble sleeping. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, chills, leprosy, etc. Collection Of blood for TSH Test: To collect TSH test, blood is collected from the veins of the hand through a series. Very little blood is required. Only two millimeters of blood is enough. Special Preparation befor TSH test: All the rules that the patient has to follow before blood collection for TSH test; no special rules have to be followed. However, some medicines such as; So: When doing the test, give complete information about the medicine you are taking in the laboratory. If you are taking medicine for thyroid patient regularly, then blood test should be done before taking the medicine. Get tested for TSH. Usually it is better to test without eating for 10-12 hours. Remember that tea or coffee cannot be eaten. Modern method of TSH testing: Currently most advanced labs use the TSH test 3rd generation method or the highly sensitive ultra sensitive TSH method. Normal Range of TSH: The normal value of TSH is given in the test report. Normal value changes according to the test method, so adhere to the standard in the report Here is a picture of the normal TSH standard which is the most common in Bangladesh. TSH Test Result: High TSH is caused by a decrease in the function of the thyroid gland. TSH is increased even if a patient undergoes surgery to remove thyroid gland. Taking extra entry thyroid medicine also increases the amount of TSH. If there is a tumor in the pituitary gland, the level of TSH can be very high. There is a hereditary disease in which TSH is increased in cases where the body is not functioning adequately due to thyroid gland hormones. The reason TSH is too much is: If the thyroid gland is overactive, it may be due to taking extra thyroid medicine. Taking low doses of entry thyroid medication can reduce the amount of TSH. This is only in the case of those who have undergone thyroid treatment. Even if the amount of TSH is more or less, it cannot be said that there is any specific disease. If TSH levels are abnormal, tests called T3 and T4 are needed. Do Test TSH during Pregnancy? The role of thyroid in the body of pregnant mother is especially important. Sleep problems can be caused by low or high levels of thyroid hormones. In many cases the amount of TSH increases during pregnancy. And for this reason, pregnant mothers should get TSH tested. Pregnant mothers need a TSH test within the first month. Test TSH for newborn: The newborn must have a TSH test. When the amount of thyroid hormone is abnormal, the child htheas mental and physic
What is the meaning of laboratory test?
A thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test is an initial test used to determine how your thyroid is functioning. A high TSH level indicates that the thyroid gland isn't making enough hormones, causing hypothyroidism. Conversely, if the TSH level is low it indicates an overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism. The TSH normal level range that most physicians refer to is .3 to 4.5.
Will alcohol affect TSH blood test?
Alcohol consumption may affect TSH levels by either increasing or decreasing them, depending on the individual and the amount consumed. It's generally recommended to avoid alcohol before a TSH blood test to ensure accurate results.
What is the meaning of tsh laboratory test?
A thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test is an initial test used to determine how your thyroid is functioning. A high TSH level indicates that the thyroid gland isn't making enough hormones, causing hypothyroidism. Conversely, if the TSH level is low it indicates an overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism. The TSH normal level range that most physicians refer to is .3 to 4.5.
