Why is this procedure done?
A small gland at the base of your brain controls how well your thyroid works. It does this by secreting a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH. The TSH travels in the bloodstream to the thyroid gland. Then, the thyroid gland creates and releases other hormones to help control your bodys metabolism. These hormones help control how the body uses energy. If the thyroid does not get enough TSH or gets too much TSH, it does not work the right way. Your body may use too much or too little energy. ‚
A TSH blood test checks for problems with your thyroid gland. It is often done with other tests for your thyroid. This test is used to: ‚
- See if you have a problem with your thyroid
- Understand if the small gland at the base of your brain is working the right way
- Know if you are getting enough thyroid replacement drugs
- Understand why you may be having problems getting pregnant
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and what is normal. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your thyroid is likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, you may have a problem with your thyroid or some other illness.
- Your doctor may order another test to verify the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
- Any tests you have had with radioactive materials or x-rays that used iodine dye within the last 4 to 6 weeks. The TSH test may not be correct if you had iodine contrast material.
- If you are under severe stress or have a long-term chronic illness
- Your doctor may tell you to stop some drugs that may affect the results of the test, like antithyroid drugs.
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood for TSH levels. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your TSH. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/tsh/tab/test ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/test_tsh.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚