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Thyroid TSH Function Test
Thyroid TSH Function Test
This thyroid function test measures the TSH levels in your blood to help determine if your thyroid gland is functioning properly and identify signs of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Included with your purchase, if your test results are abnormal, an independent physician may be able to provide you with treatment options. Read moreTest details
Sample type:
Blood
Preparation:
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection.
Fasting is not required for this test.
About the Test
Noticeable changes in your metabolism (eg, weight, temperature, and energy) may be an indication of abnormal levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. This thyroid function test measures the TSH levels in your blood to help identify these abnormalities. High TSH levels may indicate an overactive thyroid (ie, hyperthyroidism), while low TSH levels may suggest an underactive thyroid (ie, hypothyroidism). In either case, T4 reflex testing will be performed at no additional cost to help identify a possible thyroid disorder.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. Thyroid function is controlled by the pituitary gland, which produces TSH and releases it into the bloodstream. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). TSH will also tell the body to make or release thyroid hormones. This process determines how quickly your body uses energy, makes proteins, and controls other important functions, such as: body temperature, heart rate, breathing, skin moisture, muscle contraction, weight gain or loss, brain development, cholesterol levels, menstruation, and nervous system function.
Thyroid disorders can affect any system of your body and treatment will depend on the specific thyroid condition. An undiagnosed thyroid disorder may put you at risk for cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, infertility, and other serious conditions; most thyroid conditions can be managed with medication.
Buy your own thyroid function test online with Quest. No doctor’s visit is required – simply purchase TSH testing, visit a nearby Quest® location for sample collection, and get fast results. Included with your purchase, if your test results are abnormal, an independent physician may be able to provide you with treatment options.
How it works
questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.
FAQs
About 5 percent of Americans who are 12 years old or older have hypothyroidism. Many people who have hypothyroidism are unaware.
Hypothyroidism is more common.
Currently, there is no evidence to support routine screening of your thyroid function. You may consider checking your thyroid function if you are having symptoms of a thyroid disorder or if you are at high risk for developing a thyroid disease.
If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, you may have your thyroid function checked more frequently. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine a longer-term care plan.
If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, you may have your thyroid function checked more frequently. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine a longer-term care plan.
Even if you don’t have symptoms, you may consider testing if you have the following risk factors:
• Family history of thyroid disease
• Women
• People over age 50
• Have an autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes
• History of thyroid surgery
• Radiation treatment for a past thyroid condition
• Recent pregnancy
• Taking medication high in iodine
• Family history of thyroid disease
• Women
• People over age 50
• Have an autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes
• History of thyroid surgery
• Radiation treatment for a past thyroid condition
• Recent pregnancy
• Taking medication high in iodine
You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.