What is this test?
This is a blood test that measures the amount of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone in the blood.
 
Sample required
Blood.
 
Patient preparation
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 also affect thyroid testing results so it is generally recommended that thyroid testing be avoided in hospitalized patients. Inform the doctor if you are on any medications including multivitamins and supplements, or have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before this test.
 
Turn-around time (How long does it take?)
6 Hours.
 
Basis of the Test
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.