THYROID STUDIES.......Made Simple

The answer to the question in the previous posting is MAGNESIUM.



Today we'll review the common labs tests in interpreting of thyroid function studies,
that you are likely to be asked on your boards....or encounter in daily pratice.


Q: What is the single BEST screening test to determine thyroid function status?


A: TSH level....It will tell you whether patient is hyper/hypothyroid or neither.
Low levels=Hyperthyroidism. High levels=Hypothyroidism. HINT: This is
first test to obtain, regardless of which thyroid disorder you are looking for.
.


Q: What is the BEST test to determine if person is surreptitiously abusing thyroid hormone?
(For weight loss/ psychiatric reasons...resulting in EXOGENOUS HYPERTHYROIDISM).


A: Serum THYROGLOBULIN level...(on the boards). This test is also elevated in thyroiditis.



Q: What test is the BEST indicator of EUTHYROID SICK SYNDROME?
(This is generally an asymtomatic disorder seen in hospitalized/terminally ill patients.
Therapy consist of treating the underlying cause without thyroid medications).

A: LOW T3 level.



Q: What test are commonly seen elevated in HASHIMOTO'S THYROIDITIS?


A: Being an AUTOIMMUNE disorder...besides the expected elevated TSH/low FT4
combination...ANTIBODY tests will be positive... TPO (anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody)
and TG (anti-thyroglobulin antibody) will both be increased in this disorder.



Q: What is the BEST test to determine NEONATAL THYROTOXICOSIS in a pregnant
patient with GRAVES' Disease?



A: SERUM TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin)....since this hormone crosses the
placenta.






To think about until next time........Which thyroid condition causes APATHY?....The answer
may surprise you!


Thanks for your time.