title: [Serum TSH measurement].
abstract: Serum TSH (thyrotropin) measurement is the first-line test to evaluate the thyroid function. Recent sensitive serum TSH assays are based on immunometric assays (IMAs) that use two or more antibodies. Electrochemiluminescent immunoassay expanded both the functional sensitivity potential and the range of serum TSH measurement. It is usually combined with serum free T4 measurement to evaluate the thyroid function, but can be used alone when the pituitary function is normal. Serum TSH levels do not reflect the thyroid function, i) when thyroid function is changing widely, ii) in low T4-T3 states, iii) in central hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and iv) when antibodies such as heterophile antibodies, rheumatoid factors, and rarely anti-TSH antibodies are present.
authors.affiliation: Osaka University Medical School, Department of Laboratory Medicine.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tatsumi
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Takeoka
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Amino
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D013972:Thyrotropin