Why get tested? To help evaluate thyroid gland function; to help diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism; to screen for hypothyroidism in newborns
When to get tested? Usually ordered in response to an abnormal TSH test result or when a patient has symptoms of hyper- or hypothyroidism; commonly performed on newborns
Sample required? A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm or from pricking the heel of an infant
This article was last reviewed on March 8, 2008.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
The review date indicates when the article was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the article, so the two dates may not always agree.
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