TSH 3rd Generartion

Message

Please indicate the collection time and date on the sample or requisition.
Refer to specimen requirements when the TSH is used in the TSH ScreeningCascade (THYRSC) The TSH specmen requirments are different when used in a TSH Screening Cascade. Serum is the only acceptable sample.

Test Code

TSH

Alias/See Also

Thyroid stimulating hormone
TSH Ultra Sensitivity

CPT Codes
84443

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL serum or plasma.
Serum is preferred if the sample is used as part of a TSH Cascade

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma – Li Heparin (PST)
Plasma –EDTA (Lavender)
Tiger top (SST)
Gold top (SST)
Red top

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 8 days at 15-25ºC
Refrigerated: 14 days at 2-8°C
Frozen: 24 months at -20°C, Freeze only once.

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Samples not labeled with complete first and last name and date of birth.
Grossly hemolyzed

Methodology
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay

Setup Schedule

Sun - Sat

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

0.27 - 4.20 uIU/mL

Clinical Significance

The hypophyseal release of TSH (thyrotropic hormone) is the central regulating mechanism for the biological action of thyroid hormones. TSH has a stimulating action in all stages of thyroid hormone formation and secretion; it also has a proliferative effect. The determination of TSH serves as the initial test in thyroid diagnostics. Even very slight changes in the concentrations of the free thyroid hormones bring about much greater opposite changes in the TSH level. Accordingly, TSH is a very sensitive and specific parameter for assessing thyroid function and is particularly suitable for early detection or exclusion of disorders in the central regulating circuit between the hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid.

Performing Laboratory
Frederick Health Laboratory
400 W 7th Street
Frederick, MD 21701

Last Updated: September 22, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.