TSH

Quest Diagnostics

Sample type: Serum

Requires fasting: No

Phlebotomy required

Details

For differential diagnosis of primary, secondary, and tertiary hypothyroidism. Also useful in screening for hyperthyroidism. This assay allows adjustment of exogenous thyroxine dosage in hypothyroid patients and in patients on suppressive thyroxine therapy for thyroid neoplasia.

Biomarker summary

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone

Additional details

Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected

TSH Test
This test is crucial for diagnosing different types of hypothyroidism (primary, secondary, and tertiary) and for screening hyperthyroidism. It helps in adjusting the dosage of thyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism or those undergoing suppressive thyroxine therapy for thyroid cancer.

What patients is this test right for?

This test is suitable for individuals showing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction or those being treated for thyroid conditions.

Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction:

Unexpected weight changes
Changes in energy levels or mood
Irregular body temperature
Altered heart rate

What type of sample is required for this test?

1 mL serum.
Phlebotomy is required.

Additional Information:

According to the assay manufacturer Siemens: "Samples containing fluorescein can produce falsely depressed values when tested with the Advia Centaur TSH3 Ultra assay."

Test Resources:
https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/clinical-education-center/faq/faq294 http://education.questdiagnostics.com/faq/FAQ138

Average sample processing time

2–5 business days

Reference range

Premature Infants (28-36 Weeks)
1st Week of Life 0.20-27.90 mIU/L
Term Infants (>37 Weeks)
Serum or Cord Blood 1.00-39.00 mIU/L
1-2 Days 3.20-34.60 mIU/L
3-4 Days 0.70-15.40 mIU/L
5 Days-4 Weeks 1.70-9.10 mIU/L
1-11 Months 0.80-8.20 mIU/L
1-19 Years 0.50-4.30 mIU/L
≥20 Years 0.40-4.50 mIU/L
Pregnancy
First Trimester 0.26-2.66 mIU/L
Second Trimester 0.55-2.73 mIU/L
Third Trimester 0.43-2.91 mIU/L
TSH levels decline rapidly during the first week of life in most children, but may remain transiently elevated in a few individuals despite normal free T4 levels. For proper interpretation of an abnormal TSH from a newborn thyroid screen, a Free T4 by Dialysis (test code 35167) or Total T4 (test code 867) should be considered.

Health categories

Patient instructions

Specimen collection after fluorescein dye angiography should be delayed for at least 3 days. For patients on hemodialysis, specimen collection should be delayed for 2 weeks.

Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:

Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)

Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
Collection Instructions:

Bring a valid ID.
Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.

Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide

Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy

Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
Collection Instructions: