TSH

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Endocrine glands

Pituitary and TSH

TSH is a test that measures the amount of the hormone TSH in the blood.

Thyrotropin; Thyroid stimulating hormone

Adult or child:

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a tourniquet is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the tourniquet to fill with blood. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. The tourniquet is then removed to restore circulation. After blood has been collected the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

Infant or young child:

The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any bleeding.

No special preparation is usually necessary.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

TSH is measured as a screening test for abnormal thyroid function (either hyperthyrodism or hypothyrodism). It is also measured to monitor treatment of these conditions. The test is also done in infertile females, to check if thyroid disease is the cause of infertility.

TRH, a hormone produced in the hypothalamus, stimulates the pituitary gland to release TSH. TSH subsequently stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. These hormones feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary to regulate the release of both TSH and TRH.

In certain diseases, this regulation pathway is altered, leading to under- or over-production of thyroid hormone. When a thyroid disorder is suspected clinically, a TSH level is obtained as an initial test.

Review Date: 03/03/2006
Reviewed By: David Juan, MD, Specializing in Endocrinology Issues, Good Hand Medical Center and Alperin Medical Clinics, Santa Clara, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.