Port Moresby Medical Laboratories (POMMEDLAB)

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If you have any of these symptoms or complaints, you should have your TSH levels checked to exclude thyroid disease:

Neck swelling or goitre

Chronic diarrhoea or constipation

Heat Intolerance e.g. always hot, sweaty or cold

Generalized muscle weakness

Lethargy or fatigue all the time

Palpitation or racing heart

Hypertension or high blood pressure

Psychosis or mental disorder

Irregular Heart beat or atrial fibrillation

Family history of goitre or thyroid disease

Diabetes mellitus

Unexplained recent weight loss or weight gain

Prominent eye or exophthalmoses

Panic or anxiety attack or dizzy spells

Infertility

Menstrual disorders

Recurrent miscarriage

Abnormal breast nipple discharge

 

Children/infant (Newborn Screen):

 

All Newborns at birth

Poor Growth

Poor Feeding

Newborn Jaundice

Lethargy/Unwell newborn

Mental retardation

Thyroid Function Tests

Thyroid function TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone and is a test for thyroid function testing (TFT). TSH is produced in the base of brain in the anterior pituitary gland. It stimulates thyroid gland in the front of neck to produce active iodine containing thyroid hormones called T4 (thyroxine, tetra-iodothyronine) and T3 (tri-iodothyronine). Most of the thyroid hormones circulate in blood bound to protein and only less than 1% are un-bound. Hence, these Free T4 or free T3 best reflect activity of thyroid hormones and is measured using specific antibodies

 

The TSH and thyroid hormones have inverse relationship. When thyroid hormones increase TSH secretion is decreased or vice versa. By measuring TSH and Free T4 or Ft3 we are able to diagnose thyroid disease. Patients with hyperactive thyroid glands (hyperthyroid, thyrotoxicosis) has low TSH level and high Free T4 and T3. In contrast, patients with under active thyroid gland  (hypothyroid, cretinism) have high TSH and low Free T4 and T3 levels.

 

TSH and Ft4 are often measured in combination to detect thyroid disease and monitor treatment of patients diagnosed and treated already. TSH is also used in neonatal screening to diagnose and treat thyroid disease early during neonatal period to prevent permanent brain damage or mental retardation. 

Question 1. What is Thyroid Function (TFT)

Question 2. When can I request TSH test?

Question 3. How is TSH Measured?

Question 4. How long Should I wait For the Test result?

TSH is measured on a small sample of blood. Specific antibody is used to trap TSH from serum and level is quantified and reported. For most patients only one tube of blood is needed for all the tests. For neonates heel prick blood can be used. Fasting is not needed and no special preparation is required prior to sample collection.

The testing takes up to 24 hrs depending on laboratory workload. You may return to our Result Review Center or see your doctor on the next appointment day for discussion of results. Patient or doctor will be contacted for urgent results. All reports are kept confidential and only accessed by patient or his/her doctor.  

Question 5. What does the test report mean?

 

The TSH result is reported quantitatively. Low TSH level is associated with hyperthyroid and high level is indicative of hypothyroid. In neonates, it is only reported as positive or negative. Positive neonatal tests means child probably has low thyroid hormones and will require further quantitative TSH and FT4 measurements. False positives occur in small number of neonates. You should see your doctor or see our clinical Pathologist for further explanation on test result.

 

Question 6. What is the Treatment?

Cheaper and effective treatment is available for thyroid diseases. Depending on the type of thyroid disease combination of medical, surgical or radiation treatments are administered. See your doctor for advice