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

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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.

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

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