TFTs

Question 1

What tests would you order when looking at thyroid function?

Answer 1

• TSH
• Free T3
• Free T4
• TPOAbs (thyroperoxidase antibodies)
• TRAbs (TSH receptor antibodies)

Question 2

What can alter TBG (thyroid binding globulin)?

Answer 2

Raise:

• Pregnancy
• OCP

Lower

• Nephrotic syndrome
• Malnutrition

Question 3

What can alter test results?

Answer 3

• Antibiotics
• Pituitary disease
• Drugs: amiodarone
  Contains lots of iodine

Question 4

What is the diagnosis of a high TSH and low free T4?

Answer 4

Hypothyroidism

Question 5

What is the diagnosis of a high TSH and normal free T4?

Answer 5

• Treated hypothyroidism

- Subclinical hypothyroidism

Question 6

What is the diagnosis of a high TSH and high free T4?

Answer 6

• TSH-secreting tumour

- Thyroid hormone resistance

Question 7

What is the diagnosis of a low TSH, high free T4 and high T3?

Answer 7

Hyperthyroidism

Question 8

What is the diagnosis of a low TSH, normal free T4 and normal T3?

Answer 8

Subclinical hyperthyroidism

Question 9

What is the diagnosis of a low TSH and low free T4?

Answer 9

Central hypothyroidism (hypothalamic or pituitary disorder)

Question 10

What is the diagnosis of a low TSH, low free T4 and low T3?

Answer 10

• Sick euthyroidism

- Pituitary disease

Question 11

What does ‘primary’ mean?

Answer 11

Pathology is in the thyroid gland

Question 12

What does ‘secondary’ mean

Answer 12

Pathology is in hypothalamus or pituitary gland