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Epic Test Code LAB129 Thyroid Stimulating Hormone-Sensitive (TSH)

Performing Location(s)

BMC,FOX,FTT,CRH,LFH,OCH

Specimen Type

Serum

Preferred Container

Gold or Red top tube

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

0.5 mL Serum

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.  

Storage Requirements

Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection 

Gold tops DO NOT ALIQUOT

Aliquot Red tops

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.

Transportation Needs

 Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements". 

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes

> 7 day Refrigerated
> 18 hours Room Temp
> 3 months Frozen
Hemolysis > 1000 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 3300 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 40 mg/dL Bili

Reference Values

Population Units Reference Range
Newborn - 1 month uIU/mL 0.80 - 10.00
General (> month old) uIU/mL 0.41-4.50

 

Synonyms

Thyrotropin Hormone, TSH

Additional Information

Additional Information:

Reflexive Thyroid Testing Protocol

Thyroid function tests are ordered whenever there is suspected thyroid disease or for the management of patients on replacement therapy. The introduction of sensitive thyrotropin (sTSH) in the early 1990’s has transformed thyroid function testing from thyroxine-based strategies to sTSH strategies. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the National Academy of Clinical Biochemists (NACB) have recommended that serum sTSH level be the first test, complemented by an appropriate free thyroxine (FT4) estimate. This strategy represents the best and most efficient combination of blood tests for diagnosis and follow-up of most patients with thyroid disorders.

 

Accordingly, the Bassett Healthcare Clinical Laboratories will be providing reflexive thyroid function testing using the following algorithm.

                       

T3 is recommended for patients with suppressed sTSH and normal FT4. T3 is not recommended in patients with normal or increased sTSH.

 

Most thyroid testing is performed on out-patients. The ATA does not recommend thyroid screening in sick hospitalized patients, unless clinically significant thyroid disease is suspected.

 

This algorithm has been approved by Endocrinology.

 

Reflex Testing Information

Limitations

Specimens should be free of particulate matter. To prevent the appearance of fibrin in serum samples, complete clot formation should take place before centrifugation. If clotting time is increased due to thrombolytic or anticoagulant therapy, the use of plasma specimens will allow for faster sample processing and reduce the risk of particulate matter.

 

Patients taking biotin supplements in excess of the daily recommended allowance may cause falsely elevated results.

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

Yes if Thyroid crisis

Methodology

Beckman AU/Dx Series

CPT Code

84443

Last Updated

29-NOV-24 MS