Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH) CPT: 84443
Synonyms
Thyrotropin
Special Instructions
Expected Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.8 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube.
Collection
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Stability Requirements
Patient Information
To help diagnose thyroid disorders and to monitor treatment of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism; sometimes a TSH test is used to screen newborns for congenital hypothyroidism; there is no consensus within the medical community as to whether screening of adults should be done.
When you have signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and/or an enlarged thyroid (goiter) or when you have a thyroid nodule (a small lump on the thyroid gland that may be solid or a fluid-filled cyst); when you are being treated for a thyroid disorder.
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or from pricking the heel of an infant.
No test preparation is needed. However, certain medications, multivitamins and supplements can interfere with the TSH test, so tell your healthcare practitioner about any prescribed or over-the-counter drugs and/or supplements that you are taking. If you take thyroid hormone as treatment for thyroid disease, it is recommended that your blood sample be drawn before you take your dose for that day. Acute illness may affect TSH test results. It is generally recommended that thyroid testing be avoided in hospitalized patients or deferred until after a person has recovered from an acute illness.