TSH
Test code
CPT code(s)*
Test resources
Test FAQ
Algorithm
Clinical focus
Test summary
Details
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Alternative name(s)
Thyrotropin,3rd Generation TSH,2nd Generation TSH,Highly Sensitive TSH,Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Specimen requirements | |
|---|---|
| Patient preparation | Select a service area to view this section. |
| Preferred specimen(s) | 1 mL serum |
| Minimum volume | 0.7 mL |
| Transport container | Serum separator tube (SST) |
| Transport temperature | Room temperature |
| Specimen stability | Room temperature: 7 days Refrigerated: 7 days Frozen: 28 days |
| Reject criteria | Plasma |
Reference Range(s)
| Premature Infants, (28-36 weeks) | |
| 1st week of life | 0.20-27.90 mIU/L |
| Term Infants, (>37 weeks) | |
| serum or cord blood | 1.00-39.00 mIU/L |
| 1-2 days | 3.20-34.60 mIU/L |
| 3-4 days | 0.70-15.40 mIU/L |
| 5 days-4 weeks | 1.70-9.10 mIU/L |
| 1-11 months | 0.80-8.20 mIU/L |
| 1-19 years | 0.50-4.30 mIU/L |
| ≥20 years | 0.40-4.50 mIU/L |
| Pregnancy | |
| First Trimester | 0.26-2.66 mIU/L |
| Second Trimester | 0.55-2.73 mIU/L |
| Third Trimester | 0.43-2.91 mIU/L |
TSH levels decline rapidly during the first week of life in most children, but may remain transiently elevated in a few individuals despite normal free T4 levels. For proper interpretation of an abnormal TSH from a newborn thyroid screen, a Free T4 by Dialysis (test code 35167) or Total T4 (test code 867) should be considered.
Reference ranges are provided as general guidance only. To interpret test results use the reference range in the laboratory report.
*The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidance and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.
This material contains content from LOINC® (http://loinc.org). The LOINC Table, LOINC Table Core are copyright © 1995-2019, Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) Committee and is available at no cost under the license at http://loinc.org/license.
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