AN OVERVIEW
About TSH ultrasensitive test
Why is the TSH ultrasensitive test done?
- For measuring the thyroid stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
- For analysing the functioning of the pituitary and thyroid gland.
- For effectively diagnosing and monitoring major thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Graves disease, Hashimotos thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, thyroiditis, postpartum thyroiditis, excess iodine, or deficiency of iodine.
- For checking the efficacy of the thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
- For prescribing medicines for the treatment of thyroid disorders.
What does the TSH ultrasensitive test measure?
The TSH ultrasensitive test measures the amount of TSH levels present in our blood. This helps in examining the reasons for abnormal thyroid hormone levels.
Risks/side effects of TSH ultrasensitive test:
No side effects are associated with a TSH ultrasensitive test, although, for a few days, some pain might be felt in the area from where the blood is taken using a needle. Covering it with a bandage reduces the chances of an infection.One might also feel lightheaded or experience fainting. In rare cases, hematoma, which is the collection of blood outside the blood vessels, can also occur.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
When is the TSH ultrasensitive test performed?
TSH ultrasensitive test is conducted regularly when an infant has congenital hypothyroidism. Since the tests proficiency lies in the identification of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, the test is also conducted when you show symptoms of thyroid disorders, such as:
- Sudden changes in weight
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Cold and heat intolerance
- Constipation
- Anxiety and tiredness
- Insomnia
- Exophthalmos
- Alopecia
- Sudden increase or decrease in heart rate
- Tremors in hand
- Dry skin
- Bags under eyes
- Irritability
- Enlarged thyroid
- Increased hunger
- Thin skin
- Muscle weakness
- Sweating
- Facial swelling
- Depression
- Brittle hair
- Infertility
- High cholesterol levels
- Joint pain
- Amnesia
- Dysphonia
- Delayed growth and puberty
The test is also performed during pregnancy to monitor the changing thyroid levels in pregnant women.
How to prepare for the TSH ultrasensitive test?
No specific preparations, such as fasting, are required for the TSH ultrasensitive test. However, do inform your doctor about any drugs you are currently taking, since these can affect the functioning of thyroid. Your doctor may advise you to stop their intake before your TSH ultrasensitive test. If you have had an X-Ray recently, do inform the doctor about the same as well. Other factors, such as stress, pollutants, smoking and illnesses can also affect the test results. You can wear a half-sleeve shirt or an easily foldable shirt on the day your test will be done for easy blood sample collection.
How is the TSH ultrasensitive test performed?
The TSH ultrasensitive test involves taking a blood sample from a vein located in your arm. A syringe is used for the same. The area from where the blood would be taken would first be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Once the blood sample has been collected, it will be sent to the laboratory.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the TSH ultrasensitive test results
Assessment of thyroid stimulating hormone levels can be done through a referential range of normal TSH levels, which depends on certain factors, such as a persons age, weight, sex, etc. Typical
ly, this range is 0.4 to 4.0 mlU/L, but it can vary due to conditions such as pregnancy, thyroid cancer, and pituitary gland disease. If youre undergoing treatment for thyroid disorders, the normal range is 0.5 to 3.0 mlU/L. An endocrinologists insights are required in such cases.
TSH levels have an inverse relation with the production of thyroid hormones. They are generally high during the wee hours and low in the evening.
If the TSH levels are higher than the normal range, it infers hypothyroidism. However, it must be noted that during pregnancy, the T3 and T4 levels are considerably high, while the TSH levels are low.
A low TSH level implies hyperthyroidism. It can also show abnormalities in the functioning of the pituitary gland, due to which it is failing to produce sufficient TSH for stimulating the thyroid gland. Low levels of TSH can also be caused by fasting and starvation.
Changes in the TSH levels, sometimes leading to inaccurate test results, can be because of cancer, infections, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, convalescence, and the presence of antibodies produced against mouse proteins in our blood, after coming in contact with the mammal.
Depending on your test results, the doctor can advise more tests. A treatment plan can also be suggested.
TSH Ultrasensitive Test In Chandigarh
The TSH ultrasensitive test (also known as thyrotropin) is used to examine the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) present in the blood. TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, and, as its name suggests, is responsible for stimulating the thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck.
Pituitary glands function is to regulate the levels of three hormones (triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and calcitonin) produced by the thyroid gland. These hormones are vital in controlling and regulating muscular strength, metabolism, mood, body temperature, weight, etc.
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) is a condition in which the thyroid gland stops producing sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone, as a result of which, TSH is produced abundantly by the pituitary gland, in order to stimulate the production of the former. Problems associated with the functioning of the pituitary gland, leading to low production of TSH, can also result in hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), on the other hand, is a condition in which the thyroid gland excessively produces the thyroid hormone, and the pituitary gland produces low levels of TSH, in order to reduce the production of the former.
The test aids in the diagnosis of various major thyroid disorders or their symptoms. Read further to know more about the TSH ultrasensitive test in Chandigarh, including its price and cost, procedure, side effects, test results, etc.
Book now
and then