Alkitab University – Collage of Medical Techniques

Department of Medical Analysis

3 rd. stage – A4

TSH TEST

Written by:

Muhammed Raheem Hussein and Sandy Adel ishaaq

THYROXINE STIMULATING HORMONE TEST

DEFINITION:
A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is used to check for thyroid gland
problems. TSH is produced when the hypothalamus releases a substance called
thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then triggers the pituitary gland to release
TSH. See pictures of the thyroid gland and the pituitary gland.

TSH causes the thyroid gland to make two hormones: triiodothyronine

(T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 help control your body's metabolism.

Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are needed for normal growth of the brain,
especially during the first 3 years of life. A baby whose thyroid gland does not make
enough thyroid hormone (congenital hypothyroidism) may, in severe cases, be mentally
retarded. Older children also need thyroid hormones to grow and develop normally.

CONSIDERATIONS :

A. BEFORE:

Tell your doctor if you have had any tests in which you were given radioactive materials
or had X-rays that used iodine dye within the last 4 to 6 weeks. Your test results may
not be correct if you have had iodine contrast material before having a thyroid-
stimulating hormone (TSH) test.

Preparation:

No special preparations are needed for this test. However, certain medications,
including seizure medication, cardiac drugs, steroids, birth control pills, and even aspirin
can affect the results, so it's important to tell the doctor about any medication your
child is taking.

On the day of the test, it may help to have your child wear a shortsleeve shirt to allow
easier access for the technician who will draw the blood.

DURING:

The Procedure
A health professional will usually draw the blood from a vein. For an infant, the blood
may be obtained by puncturing the heel with a small needle (lancet). If the blood is
being drawn from a vein, the skin surface is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band
(tourniquet) is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the veins to
swell with blood. A needle is inserted into a vein (usually in the arm inside of the elbow
or on the back of the hand) and blood is withdrawn and collected in a vial or syringe.

After the procedure, the elastic band is removed. Once the blood has been collected,
the needle is removed and the area is covered with cotton or a bandage to stop the
bleeding. Collecting blood for this test will only take a few minutes.

B. AFTER:Results

A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is used to check for thyroid gland
problems.

The normal ranges for the results of this test may vary from laboratory to laboratory.
Results are usually available within 2 to 3 days.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Adult 0.4-4.5 mIU/L or 0.4-4.5 mU/L
s: (SI units)
Babi
3-18 mIU/L or 3-18 mU/L (SI units)
es:
High values

High TSH levels may be caused by:

• An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most

common cause of primary hypothyroidism.
• A pituitary gland tumor that is making too much TSH. This is uncommon.
• Not taking enough thyroid hormone medicine for treatment of an underactive
thyroid gland.

Low values

Low TSH levels may be caused by:

 • An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Causes of hyperthyroidism
include Graves' disease, a type of goiter (toxic multinodular goiter), or a
noncancerous (benign) tumor called a toxic nodule.
• Damage to the pituitary gland that prevents it from making TSH (a condition
called secondary hypothyroidism).
• Taking too much thyroid medicine for treatment of an underactive thyroid
gland.
• Pregnancy during the first trimester.

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful
include:

• Taking medicine, such as corticosteroids, levodopa, heparin, dopamine, lithium

(such as Carbolith or Duralith), methimazole (Tapazole), and propylthiouracil.
• Having had a recent X-ray with iodine dye or test using radioactive materials.
• Having severe stress or a long-term (chronic) illness.

What To Think About

• The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test is the best screening test for
conditions that can affect the thyroid gland.
• The results of a TSH test should be considered along with the results of thyroid
hormone tests, especially thyroxine (T4) results. For more information about T3
and T4 testing, see the medical test Thyroid Hormone Tests.

• The upper value of the normal TSH range for adults is 4.5 mIU/L or 4.5 mU/L (SI
units).