Thyroid disorders have many etiologies, manifestations, and potential therapies. Quest Diagnostics offers solutions that can help you diagnose, treat, and monitor every type of thyroid disease.
Thyroid disorders have many etiologies, manifestations, and potential therapies. Quest Diagnostics offers solutions that can help you diagnose, treat, and monitor every type of thyroid disease.
Testing from Quest Diagnostics can help you diagnose, treat, monitor, and prevent complications related to every type and etiology of thyroid disease. Quest’s broad range of endocrinology tests are aligned to the most recent clinical practice guidelines—including those from the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)—for better disease management.
Key thyroid tests from Quest
Test Code | Test Name | Recommended Clinical Use |
899 | TSH | Detects TSH levels for differential diagnosis of primary, secondary, and tertiary hypothyroidism; also useful in screening for hyperthyroidism |
867 | T4 (Thyroxine), Total | Used to help diagnose hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism |
861 | T3 Uptake | Used with measurement of thyroxine (T4) to calculate the free T4 index to assess thyroid diseases |
866 | T4 Free (FT4) | Used to diagnose hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism |
35167 | T4 Free, Direct Dialysis | Used for the differential diagnosis of euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia from hyperthyroidism or for the differential diagnosis of euthyroid hypothyroxinemia from hypothyroidism |
7444 | Thyroid Panel with TSH Includes T3 Uptake; T4 (Thyroxine), Total; Free T4 Index (T7); TSH | A complete panel used to diagnose hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism |
7260 | Thyroid Peroxidase and Thyroglobulin Antibodies | Useful in the diagnosis and management of a variety of thyroid disorders, including autoimmune thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ Disease, and certain types of goiter |
90810 | Thyroglobulin, LC/MS/MS | Used in the detection of residual or recurrent thyroid cancer |
30551 | TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin) | Used to detect Graves’ disease; can also assist in predicting hyperthyroidism in neonates |
5738 | TRAb (TSH Receptor Binding Antibody) | Used to diagnose and manage Graves’ disease, neonatal hypothyroidism, and postpartum thyroid dysfunction |
90814 | Thyroid Cancer (Thyroglobulin) Monitor If thyroglobulin antibody is negative, thyroglobulin is tested on the Beckman Coulter DxI; if thyroglobulin antibody is positive, thyroglobulin is tested by LC/MS/MS | Used for the determination of thyroglobulin autoantibodies, with subsequent measurement of thyroglobulin |
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) are the most common thyroid disorders. Common causes of these disorders include immune system disorders Graves’ disease, for hyperthyroidism, and Hashimoto’s disease, for hypothyroidism.
Disorder | Signs and symptoms2 | Risk factors2-10 | Complications11-14 |
Hypothyroidism | Poor memory and concentration Hoarseness Slow pulse rate Delayed reflex relaxation Cold extremities/feeling cold Carpal tunnel syndrome Fatigue Weight gain and poor appetite Hair loss Shortness of breath Constipation | Female sex Middle age (>50) Family history of thyroid or other autoimmune diseases Other autoimmune disorders | Goiter High levels of low-density lipoprotein Heart disease Enlarged heart Mental health issues Myxedema (in rare cases) Birth defects |
Hyperthyroidism | Nervousness or irritability Fatigue/muscle weakness Heat intolerance Trouble sleeping Hand tremors Irregular heartbeat Weight loss Frequent bowel movements/diarrhea Goiter Graves’ ophthalmopathy | Age 20–40 years Family history Female sex Other autoimmune disorders Pregnancy Smoking Physical/emotional stress | Heart rhythm disorders Congestive heart failure Thyroid stor |
Hypothyroidism14
ATA/AACE guidelines recommend screening for all patients with symptoms of hypothyroidism. For patients who are asymptomatic, recommendations vary widely. However, a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test is generally recommended for patients ≥50–60 years old, especially women.
Guidelines also state that there is compelling evidence to support screening in patients with:
View the complete hypothyroidism screening and diagnosis algorithm.
Hyperthyroidism15
ATA/AACE guidelines recommend screening for all patients with symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Once a diagnosis is made, the etiology should be determined.
Hypothyroidism14
ATA/AACE provide guidelines for managing hypothyroidism in:
Hypothyroidism15
ATA/AACE provide guidelines for managing hyperthyroidism in:
References
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Endocrine disorders