TSH WHOLE BLOOD Detail

The TSH (Whole Blood) test is a point-of-care or laboratory test that measures Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels directly from a whole blood sample (usually collected via finger-prick or venous draw). TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones – T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine).

This test is commonly used to assess:

• Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism (high TSH) or hyperthyroidism (low TSH)

• Neonatal or pediatric thyroid screening

• Quick screening in remote or emergency settings

The whole blood method is especially beneficial in:

• Newborn screening programs

• Point-of-care testing where rapid decision-making is required

• Settings without access to serum testing