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TRH TEST FOR ASSESSMENT OF THYROID FUNCTION
| Why is this test performed? |
| What is thyroid hormone? |
| What do I need to do before the test? |
| Outline of the Procedure |
| After the Test |
| Who will get the results? |
| General Matters |
This test is performed to check thyroid hormone production in your body.
What is thyroid hormone?
Thyroid hormone is one of the essential hormones of the body which helps control of body metabolism to keep you fit and healthy.
What do I need to do before the test?
You are requested not to eat or drink anything from mid-night on the day of the test.
OUTLINE OF THE PROCEDURE
You will be asked to lie flat for the duration of the test. Your named nurse will introduce herself and explain what to expect.
A small needle/canula will be inserted into a vein in the back of your hand or arm. This is called a venflon and allows your named nurse to obtain blood samples without causing too much discomfort.
We will take a blood sample to check your baseline hormone level. We will then give you an injection of TRH through the cannula, which will stimulate your body to produce Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which controls the thyroid hormone production by the thyroid gland.
Blood samples will be taken at 20 minutes and 60 minutes after the TRH injection to check the TSH levels to measure how well your body can respond to the stimulation.
The doctor will look at the pattern of the TSH response, which will help to decide the underlying thyroid activity.
AFTER THE TEST
On completion your venflon will be removed and you will be offered refreshments prior to going home. You should have some rest and also have something to eat before you go home after the test.
Who will get the results?
Your doctor will be informed of the results.
GENERAL MATTERS
Please note that Clinical Investigation Unit has no smoking policy.
If you have any queries or worries, please do not hesitate to contact the nursing staff for further information on 01382 632494.
We hope to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
Link to: Thyrotoxicosis
Hypothyroid
Ó NHS Tayside; 2006; version 1.0
Disclaimer; no liability whatsoever is accepted for information given and all such information, especially with regard to drug usage (UK version provided), must be checked with a person’s health provider.