Evaluation of a new strategy for detection of thyroid dysfunction in the routine laboratory.
We assessed the use of a new strategy for detecting thyroid disorders, utilizing a sensitive assay for concentrations of thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroid hormone in serum as follow-up tests. Of 1279 patients who were not on thyroxin (T4) replacement treatment, 82% could be classified as euthyroid and would require no further tests. In patients who were on T4 replacement, 41% fell into the euthyroid category and would require no further tests. Using this strategy to replace our existing strategy of free thyroxin as a "first-line" test would reduce the proportion of patients who would require one or more follow-up tests from 49% to 24%.
John
R
R
Department of Medical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Wales, Health Park, Cardiff, U.K.
Henley
R
R
Lloyd
G
G
Elder
G H
GH
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D007118:Immunoassay; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000592:standards; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000097:blood*; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood*; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014284:Triiodothyronine / Q000097:blood*
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D014284:Triiodothyronine; D013972:Thyrotropin; D013974:Thyroxine