Thyroid

The thyroid gland produces hormones that influence nearly all body tissues and organs, playing crucial roles in healthy metabolism, growth, and (mental) development. Thyroid disorders manifest in various forms. The thyroid may be overactive or underactive, have structural abnormalities, or contain nodules. Thyroid abnormalities can be diagnosed and monitored through symptom evaluation combined with blood testing.

In vitro diagnostics

The following examples demonstrate how laboratory testing contributes to the detection, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of thyroid dysfunction.

In vitro diagnostics

• Thyroid Function Testing

  Most thyroid disorders arise from autoimmune diseases, such as Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism, overactive thyroid) and Hashimoto's disease (hypothyroidism, underactive thyroid). Other causes of thyroid dysfunction include thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, or disrupted thyroid hormone systems. Blood testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders.

  TSH

  The thyroid is regulated by TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), produced in the pituitary gland. In underactive thyroid conditions, blood TSH levels are elevated above normal. In overactive conditions, blood TSH levels are below normal. Abnormal TSH levels indicate disrupted TSH production. Additional testing of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 can further investigate abnormal TSH production. T4 concentration measurement is particularly important when clinically suspecting rare thyroid dysfunction or pituitary dysfunction.

  T3 and T4

  The thyroid produces two hormone types: T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). T4 is a precursor to the active thyroid hormone T3. Combined T4 and TSH values provide insight into thyroid function. T3 measurement is particularly important when thyroid hormone resistance is suspected.

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