Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone-Sensitive (s-TSH), Serum
Use
The test is useful for screening for thyroid dysfunction and can detect mild (subclinical) and overt primary hypo- or hyperthyroidism in ambulatory patients. It is also used for monitoring patients on thyroid replacement therapy and for confirmation of thyrotropin (TSH) suppression in thyroid cancer patients on thyroxine suppression therapy. Additionally, it can predict thyrotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated TSH response.
Special Instructions
This test can be ordered as a standalone assessment for sensitive thyrotropin (s-TSH). Care should be taken with specimen handling to avoid interference, particularly from heterophile antibodies and biotin at high doses in patients. Ensure that serum gel tubes are centrifuged within two hours of collection and serum is aliquoted accordingly.
Limitations
Serum biotin concentrations up to 1200 ng/mL do not interfere with the assay. Patients who have been exposed to animals or treated with immunotherapy may develop heterophile antibodies that could interfere, potentially causing false results. Extremely high antibody titers to certain assay components can also cause interference. TSH results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and history.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 11579-0
- 11579-0
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.6 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Serum gel (preferred) or Red top
Collection Instructions
Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |