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Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource Guide Screening for HypothyroidismThe purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions. Screening TestsA physical examination by your health care provider may reveal such signs of hypothyroidism as: a slow pulse, large tongue, or slowed reflexes. The best screening test is a blood test that measures thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). A high level of TSH suggests hypothyroidism. Other blood tests include T4, T3 and TBG (thyroid binding globulin). Screening GuidelinesRoutine screening for thyroid disease with thyroid function tests is not recommended for children or adults who do not have symptoms, as per the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. SOURCES:The American College of Physicians American Society of Internal Medicine National Guideline Clearinghouse Last reviewed September 2004 by Kimberly Rask, MD, PhD All EBSCO Publishing consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. � |
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