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Related Concept Videos

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones01:20

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones

Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Goiter01:27

Goiter

Goiter refers to an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may appear as a diffuse goiter (uniform enlargement) or nodular (single or multiple nodules). Functionally, it is classified as nontoxic (normal/low hormone levels) or toxic (excess hormone production).PathophysiologyDiffuse thyroid enlargement typically results from prolonged stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or TSH-like agents, commonly seen in hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency. In contrast, in hyperthyroid...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
The Thyroid Gland01:23

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones01:18

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Graves' Disease I: Introduction01:28

Graves' Disease I: Introduction

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Colorimetric Assessment of Deiodinase 1 Activity in Human Liver Microsomes Using the Sandell-Kolthoff Reaction
08:00

Colorimetric Assessment of Deiodinase 1 Activity in Human Liver Microsomes Using the Sandell-Kolthoff Reaction

Published on: April 10, 2026

Do general practitioners use thyroid stimulating hormone assay for opportunistic screening?

Veronique Gibbons1, Steven Lillis, John V Conaglen

  • 1Waikato Clinical School, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand. gibbonsv@waikatodhb.govt.nz

The New Zealand Medical Journal
|October 16, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

General practitioners (GPs) frequently order thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) tests, with 7% of adults showing elevated levels, often indicating subclinical thyroid disease. This opportunistic screening helps identify new thyroid disease cases.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Colorimetric Assessment of Deiodinase 1 Activity in Human Liver Microsomes Using the Sandell-Kolthoff Reaction
08:00

Colorimetric Assessment of Deiodinase 1 Activity in Human Liver Microsomes Using the Sandell-Kolthoff Reaction

Published on: April 10, 2026

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • General Practice
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Early thyroid disease symptoms are often subtle and non-specific.
  • General practitioners (GPs) frequently order thyroid function tests (TFTs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the utilization and outcomes of TFTs ordered by GPs.
  • To analyze TFT use in a population-based sample of adults without known thyroid disease.

Main Methods:

  • A record linkage study analyzed TFT data over 12 months.
  • Data from laboratory results were linked to GP records in two New Zealand practices.
  • The study included 21,290 registered patients, with outcomes analyzed by age and gender.

Main Results:

  • One in six adult patients had a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test; one in twenty had a free thyroxine (FT4) test.
  • 7.0% of patients had elevated TSH, and 1.0% had low TSH, mostly indicating subclinical disease.
  • Testing rates were higher in females than males.

Conclusions:

  • GPs appear to be opportunistically screening for thyroid disease using TSH tests alone.
  • TSH testing is a common method for detecting new cases of thyroid disease in primary care.