Types of Thyroid Tests

Physical assessments, laboratory tests, scans and non-surgical biopsies represent some of the tests commonly used by doctors to determine size, function and general health of the thyroid. These tests aid in diagnosing disease and determining the extent of thyroid dysfunction.

Palpitation

• Palpitation is commonly used to initially detect suspected thyroid dysfunction. A patient may complain of symptoms that indicate thyroid dysfunction, and accordingly, the physician will examine the patient for physical signs.

T4 Test

• One of the most common thyroid tests, the T4 blood test, reflects the level of thyroxine in the blood. This test is performed on all newborns in the U.S. and many countries worldwide, and is also commonly used in diagnosing hypothyroidism in children as well as adults.

TSH Test

• Thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH, is the confirming test for the T4 test, and also used to monitor lifelong status of hypothyroidism. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, and it controls production of thyroxine, (T4) and triiodothyronine, (T3) in the thyroid gland. TSH levels are elevated in hypothyroidism and lowered in hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid Ultrasound

• A thyroid ultrasound scan is a common, painless, non-invasive method to determine the size and shape of the thyroid. This test is commonly used to view an enlarged thyroid and also to check for or monitor, nodules on the thyroid.

Fine Needle Biopsy

• Fine needle aspiration biopsy can help detect cancers on thyroid nodules. Performed in the doctor's office under a local anesthetic, several samples are usually taken and then observed under the microscope.