TSH Newborn Screening

What is a Newborn screening thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test?

Pituitary hormones include the thyroid-stimulating hormone. It stimulates the thyroid gland, which subsequently creates thyroxine and triiodothyronine, required for the body's metabolism. The thyroid hormone can occasionally not be adequately produced due to various diseases, resulting in hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Because the thyroid gland enlarges in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, the child may develop a goitre (lump in the neck). Both ailments are curable. The TSH or thyrotropin levels in children are measured during the TSH newborn screening thyroid stimulating test

When does the doctor recommend a newborn screening Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test?

The doctor may recommend this test 

• To monitor the thyroid level in children undergoing treatment for Thyroid
• To assess thyroid or pituitary disorders. 
• If a child is gaining or losing too much weight, fatigue, weakness, tremors, sweating.

What are the components of the newborn screening Thyroid stimulating Hormone test?

In several regions, neonates are routinely given TSH testing as part of the screening programme, allowing for the early identification and treatment of infants with congenital (present from birth ) hypothyroidism. It is a reliable and valuable test.

What is the normal range of the newborn screening  TSH test?

NORMAL RANGE: may range from 2.3 to 13.2 mIU/L

• High levels of TSH  indicate that the child may suffer from congenital hypothyroidism.

What are the prerequisites for the newborn screening TSH test?

• No special preparations are required.
• The blood may be obtained by puncturing the heel or vein with a small needle.
• No fasting is required before the test.
• The test can be done any time of the day.
• The test will be reported in one or two Days.
• One can consult the endocrinologist if the child is already taking medications before the test.