Thyroid Screen

Test Includes

TSH, (Free T3, Free T4, Thyroid Antibody are reflexed if necessary)Thyroid screen testing protocol utilizes TSH as the index test and is offered to screen for thyroid disease. The protocol is limited to inpatients over the age of 10.

• If the TSH is below the reference range, free T4 and free T3 will be added and reported to evaluate for possible central hypothyroidism, primary hyperthyroidism, or euthyroid sick syndrome.
• If the TSH is above the reference range, free T4 will be added and reported to assess for possible central hyperthyroidism or primary hypothyroidism.
• If the TSH is elevated but below 10 µIU/mL, an additional order for anti-thyroid antibodies will be added and reported to assess for primary hypothyroidism.

Specimen Tube Type Transport

Green top only

Container Whole Blood Required

4 ml whole blood in a Gel Green Top

Summary Test Name

Thyroid Screen

Specimen Preparation Outreach

Spin within 4 hours of collection. Refrigerate until courier pickup

Specimen Stability

72 hours if refrigerated

Minimum Volume

3 ml plasma

Specimen Transport

Refrigerate

Specimen Preparation In House

Spin, separate, refrigerate

Reference Value

See TSH (and component test)