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Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

3033

cpt

normal turn-around time

assays included

specimen type

minimum required

TSH

84443

24 hours

TSH

Serum or Plasma

1 mL of serum or heparinized plasma

collection instructions

  • Collect blood in a serum separator tube (SST), lithium heparin tube, EDTA tube.

  • Allow the blood to clot at room temperature for 30 minutes if using an SST.

  • Centrifuge and separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection.

  • Transport the specimen at 2-8°C if not tested within 2 hours.

collection instructions

  • Hemolysis: Red blood cell destruction can falsely increase glucose levels.

  • Improper Labeling: Specimen must be labeled with at least two patient identifiers.

  • Insufficient Quantity: Volume less than 1 mL may not be sufficient for accurate testing.

  • Lipemia: Excessive fat in the blood can interfere with certain test results.

clinical significance

The TSH test measures the level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland. TSH regulates the production and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) from the thyroid gland. Abnormal TSH levels can indicate thyroid dysfunction, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). This test is essential for diagnosing thyroid disorders and monitoring thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

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