🦋 Thyroid Function Test Interpretation
UseRead thyroid function by combination, starting with TSH then FT4. Avoid testing in critical illness.
SourceATA guidelines for the interpretation of thyroid function tests
This-shift next steps
After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.
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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
Read TSH first, then the FT4 combination.
When to use
Read thyroid function by combination, starting with TSH then FT4. Avoid testing in critical illness.
How it works
TSH ↑ FT4 ↓ primary hypothyroid; TSH ↑ FT4 normal subclinical; TSH ↓ FT4/FT3 ↑ hyperthyroid; TSH ↓ FT4 ↓ central/sick-euthyroid.
Key points
- Read TSH first, then the FT4 combination.
- Follow central disease by FT4, not TSH.
- Sick-euthyroid (low-T3) is easily misread in critical illness.
- Use trimester-specific reference ranges in pregnancy.
References
- [Guideline / primary source]ATA guidelines for the interpretation of thyroid function tests
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| View | Central |
|---|
→InterpretationCentral
- Central hypothyroidism：Low/inappropriately normal TSH + FT4 ↓; image the pituitary
- Cue：Do not follow central disease by TSH alone — use FT4
| View | Common combinations |
|---|
→InterpretationCommon combinations
- TSH ↑ FT4 ↓：Primary hypothyroidism
- TSH ↑ FT4 normal：Subclinical hypothyroidism
- TSH ↓ FT4/FT3 ↑：Hyperthyroidism (primary)
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What are the limits and cautions when using Thyroid Function Test Interpretation?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- Does Thyroid Function Test Interpretation upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
- Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
- How is Thyroid Function Test Interpretation calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: View Central → Result: Interpretation Central（Central hypothyroidism: Low/inappropriately normal TSH + FT4 ↓; image the pituitary, Cue: Do not follow central disease by TSH alone — use FT4） Inputs: View Common combinations → Result: Interpretation Common combinations（TSH ↑ FT4 ↓: Primary hypothyroidism, TSH ↑ FT4 normal: Subclinical hypothyroidism, TSH ↓ FT4/FT3 ↑: Hyperthyroidism (primary)）