This test may be useful in assessing thyroid dysfunction.
Clinical Significance
This test may be useful in assessing thyroid dysfunction and when pituitary disease is not suspected. In patients with clinical suspicion of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, testing thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is the initial step. An abnormal TSH result will reflex to a free thyroxine (T4) test to aid in diagnosis and guide further testing if needed.
