TSH test

A blood sample is needed. Other thyroid tests that may be done at the same time include: T3 test (free or total) T4 test (free or total) Anti-TPO (antibodies against thyroid peroxidase)

There is no preparation needed for this test. Ask your health care provider about any medicines you are taking that may affect the test results. Do not stop taking any medicines without first asking your provider. Medicines you may need to stop for a short time include: Amiodarone Dopamine Lithium Potassium iodide…

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

Your provider will order this test if you have symptoms or signs of an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. It is also used to monitor treatment of these conditions. Your provider may also check your TSH level if you are planning to get pregnant.

Normal values range from 0.5 to 5 microunits per milliliter (µU/mL). TSH values can vary during the day. It is best to have the test early in the morning. Experts do not fully agree on what the upper number should be when diagnosing thyroid disorders. Some labs will use a higher normal range limit for older people…

A higher-than-normal TSH level is most often due to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). There are many causes of this problem. A lower-than-normal level may be due to an overactive thyroid gland, which can be caused by: Graves disease Toxic nodular goiter or multinodular goiter Too much iodine in the body…

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken.Veins and arteries vary in size from one person 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 with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:…

Faix JD. Thyroid function testing (thyrotropin, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine). In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 68. Guber HA, Oprea M, Rusell YX. Evaluation of endocrine function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management…