Test Overview
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
This test promotes a cascade approach to more efficiently screen and evaluate a patient's functional thyroid status. TSH is used as the initial screening test because it provides the best indication of physiological thyroid hormone status. Increased TSH indicates inadequate levels of thyroid hormones, and a suppressed TSH indicates excess thyroid hormone activity.
No further testing will be performed if the initial TSA is within normal limits.
If the TSH concentration is >5.0 mIU/mL, a FT4 assay will be ordered to assess the likelihood and severity of potential hypothyroidism.
If the TSH is <0.3 mIU/mL, FT4 will also be automatically performed. The measurement of FT4 in the setting of low TSH allows for the more accurate assessment of potential hyperthyroidism. In cases where TSH is low and FT4 is <1.76 ng/dL, an additional FT3 assay will be performed to look for possible T3 thyrotoxicosis.
See individual test (TSH, FT4 and FT3) handbook entries.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Test Details
4 hours
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone with Reflex to FT4 and FT3
Specimen Requirements
Collect specimen in a red top or SST tube. Centrifuge, aliquot serum into a plastic vial and refrigerate up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage. Specimen may be kept at room temperature for no more than 8 hours.
Additional Information
Test includes Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). If the TSH screen result is between 0.30 - 5.00 mU/L, no further testing is performed. If the TSH screen result is <0.3 mU/L, Free T4 (Thyroxine) (FT4) will be performed at an additional charge. If the FT4 is <1.76 ng/dL, Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) (FT3) will be performed at an additional charge. If TSH screen is >5.0 mU/L, FT4 will be performed at an additional charge. By ordering this test the clinician acknowledges that additional reflex testing will be performed and billed at a separate additional charge if indicated.