Endocrinology TSH

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone.

Quantitative determination of thyroid-stimulating hormone from a dried blood spot using chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) on the LIAISON platform.

Quick Reference
Method
CLIA (LIAISON)
Sample Types
DBS
Analytes

1 analyte

Turnaround

3–5 working days

Enquire About This Test

What does this test assess?

TSH measurement is the primary screening test for thyroid dysfunction, enabling detection of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and monitoring of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Clinical indications include:

  • Primary screening for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
  • Monitoring of levothyroxine replacement therapy
  • Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism
  • Assessment of thyroid function in patients on amiodarone, lithium, or immune checkpoint inhibitors
  • Evaluation of thyroid function in pregnancy
  • Monitoring after thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine therapy

Measured analytes

Analyte / GroupComponentsClinical Significance
TSH Thyroid-stimulating hormone (thyrotropin) Pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid gland function; primary marker of thyroid status

About TSH

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and regulates the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Due to the negative feedback loop between TSH and thyroid hormones, TSH is exquisitely sensitive to changes in thyroid function, making it the most reliable single screening test for thyroid disorders.

0.4–4.0 mIU/L

Typical adult reference range

Hypothyroidism

Elevated TSH indicates underactive thyroid

Hyperthyroidism

Suppressed TSH indicates overactive thyroid

TSH demonstrates a log-linear relationship with free thyroxine (fT4), meaning that small changes in thyroid hormone production result in amplified changes in TSH. This makes TSH abnormalities detectable before overt changes in thyroid hormone levels occur, enabling early detection of subclinical thyroid disease.

Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine conditions, affecting approximately 5% of the general population. Hypothyroidism is particularly prevalent in women and increases with age. Early detection and treatment prevent progression to symptomatic disease including fatigue, weight changes, cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular complications.

Analytical technique

TSH is measured using the LIAISON chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) platform, adapted for DBS matrix. This automated immunoassay provides high-throughput analysis with excellent sensitivity and precision across the clinically relevant range.

Sample information

DBS collection enables thyroid screening in remote and home settings. The LIAISON platform provides standardised, automated analysis with established reference ranges for the DBS matrix.

Testing process

From enquiry to results in a few simple steps — no clinic visit required.

1
Get in touch
Contact us to discuss your testing requirements
2
Collect your sample
Simple finger-prick onto a dried blood spot card — at home or in clinic
3
Post to our lab
DBS cards are stable at room temperature — ship by regular post worldwide
4
Receive results
Results delivered within 3–5 working days of sample receipt

Where this test is available

This test is available to healthcare professionals, wellness brands, clinics, and research institutions worldwide. We currently serve partners in:

  • Europe (EU & non-EU)
  • United Kingdom
  • Asia & Southeast Asia
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • United States

Whether you need testing services for your patients, white-label kits for your brand, or method transfer to your own laboratory — get in touch to discuss how we can work together.

Literature

  1. Garber JR, et al. “Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults.” Thyroid, 2012, 22(12):1200-1235. 10.1089/thy.2012.0205
  2. Biondi B, Cooper DS. “Subclinical thyroid disease.” The Lancet, 2012, 379(9821):1142-1154. 10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60276-6

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TSH?

Thyroid-stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It's the most sensitive marker for thyroid dysfunction — both hypothyroidism (high TSH) and hyperthyroidism (low TSH).

Why test TSH from a finger prick?

Convenient at-home screening without a clinic visit. Ideal for monitoring thyroid medication, routine health checks, and initial screening for thyroid symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or cold intolerance.

How is the sample collected?

Finger-prick onto a DBS card, at home or in clinic.

How long does it take to get results?

Results are typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days from the time your sample arrives at our laboratory, measured by CLIA (chemiluminescence immunoassay) on the LIAISON platform.

Should I test TSH and fT4 together?

TSH alone is an excellent screening test. If TSH is abnormal, fT4 helps distinguish between overt and subclinical thyroid disease. Both tests are available from Masdiag using the same DBS sample.

Which countries is this test available in?

Masdiag's TSH test is available worldwide through our partner network. We currently serve healthcare professionals, wellness brands, and clinics in Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Contact us to discuss testing services, white-label kits, or method transfer to your laboratory.

Interested in this method?

Whether you need testing services, method transfer, or white-label kit development — we'd love to hear from you.