tsh (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
ThyroidBlood sampleResults 24 hrsNo fasting
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) comes from the pituitary gland and regulates how much hormone your thyroid produces. It is the standard starting test for thyroid health, where a high result often points to an underactive thyroid and a low result to an overactive thyroid.
Sample
Blood
Results
24 hrs
Fasting
Not required
Follow-up
Optional add-on
What this test detects
TSH
ECLIA · serum
Quantitative (µIU/mL)
When to get this test
Suspected hypo- or hyperthyroidism
Helps determine whether the thyroid is underactive or overactive as a first-line check.
Goiter or neck swelling
Useful when there is thyroid enlargement or a lump felt in the neck.
Monitoring thyroid treatment
Often repeated to confirm that thyroid medication is keeping levels in the right range.
How to prepare
01
No special preparation needed.
02
If you take thyroid medication, ask whether to take it before or after the draw.
Common questions
Do I need to fast before a TSH test?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink as usual before your test.
What is the difference between TSH and FT4?
TSH is the message from your brain that tells the thyroid how hard to work, while FT4 measures the active hormone circulating in your blood. Together they give a fuller picture of thyroid function.
When should I get a TSH test?
It is worth considering if you feel persistently tired, notice weight changes, feel unusually hot or cold, or have neck swelling or mood changes.