Basics
A home thyroid test kit allows you to test for the underactive thyroid hormone (also known as hypothyroidism) by using just a finger prick of human blood. About %5 to 6% of Canadian and American suffer from hypothyroidism.
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid can be found in the front of your neck just below the Adam’s apple and is a small butterfly shaped gland where hormones are produced and released into the bloodstream.
The thyroid hormones are very important as they control the rate at which the body uses and stores energy from the food we eat (the metabolic rate)
What causes thyroid problems?
Thyroid problems can result from either of the following causes:
If the thyroid is overactive it produces too much T3 and T4, this condition is known as hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis.
If the thyroid is underactive it doesn’t produce enough T3 or T4, this condition is known as hypothyroidism (‘hypo’ means under). An underactive thyroid is the most common thyroid problem and is more common in women and people over the age of 60, though the condition can be present at birth.
Why should I take this Thyroid test?
This test looks for the level of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) in capillary blood. A raised TSH level is an indication of an underactive thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
In hypothyroidism the thyroid is underactive and so the rate of metabolism slows down. As hypothyroidism usually develops slowly you may have no symptoms until the condition is well advanced. The symptoms you may have might be blamed on old age and can vary in severity but as your metabolism continues to slow, the symptoms should become more obvious. The symptoms may include any of the following:
- Feeling tired and lacking energy.
- A tendency to feel the cold more than healthy people.
- Heart may beat slower.
- Weight gain and difficulty in losing it.
- Irregular or heavy periods.
- A hoarse, croaky voice.
- Forgetfulness
- Depression
Later symptoms may include constipation, dry, pale skin and dry hair, which may be brittle and break easier.
What is included in the box?
- 1x Test Cassette
- 1x Capillary Dropper,
- 1x buffer,
- 1x alcohol pad,
- 2x lancets
- instructions for use.
- Please note, the box displayed for this product is only for display purposes
What is required but not included in the box?
To read more information and see instructions on how to use this test please click here
Principle: Chromatographic Immunoassay
Specimen: Blood
Analyte: TSH
Cut-Off: 50 ng/mL
Approval: CE
Sensitivity: 98.1%
Specificity: 98.2%
Accuracy: 98.2%
Country of Origin: China
HOW DOES THE THYROID TSH TEST WORK?
The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) controls the activity of the thyroid gland. If the test result is positive, the concentration of TSH is above 5 µIU/ml, so it is likely that thyroid gland activity is reduced. The Test was calibrated on the WHO 3rd International Standard NIBSC 81/565.
WHEN CAN THE TEST BE USED?
If hypothyroidism symptoms are present (such as tiredness, depression or feeling cold, weight gain, dry skin, fragile hair, persistent constipation or irregular periods in women), it is advisable to screen for thyroid activity. The THYROID
TSH TEST can be carried out at any time of the day. The test cannot and must not be performed if you are currently having thyroid hormone therapy. TSH can physiologically increase to levels above the test’s detection levels during pregnancy, giving a positive result when there is no hypothyroidism disorder; you should consult your physician.
CAN THE RESULT OF THE THYROID TSH TEST DETECT OTHER THYROID DISORDERS?
No. The THYROID TSH TEST detects a concentration of TSH above 5 µIU/ml, which is usually associated with hypothyroidism (a pathological condition that causes high levels of TSH in the blood).
CAN THE RESULT BE INCORRECT?
The result is correct if the instructions are followed carefully. However, the result may not be correct if: the device comes into contact with other liquids before being used, if part of the diluent is accidentally spilt, if the amount of blood is not enough or the number of drops dispensed in the well is more than 3. The plastic pipette supplied allows users to be sure they have collected the right amount of blood.
HOW DO I INTERPRET THE TEST IF THE COLOUR AND INTENSITY OF THE TEST AND CONTROL BANDS ARE DIFFERENT?
The colour and the intensity of the bands
are not important for the interpretation of the result. The bands must be full and omogeneous. The test is positive regardless of the intensity of the colour of the test band.
IS THE RESULT RELIABLE IF READ AFTER 15 MINUTES?
No. The test must be read 10 minutes after the
procedure is completed and no later than 15 minutes from this time.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE RESULT IS POSITIVE? If the result is positive, the concentration of TSH in the blood is above normal levels. Talk to your GP. A positive result in this test is not enough to diagnose hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones must also be measured with TSH to distinguish primary hypothyroidism from a condition with altered TSH secretion. A patient with high levels
of TSH and low levels of thyroid hormones will be diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism. High levels of TSH associated with high levels of thyroid hormones are an indication of altered TSH secretion. This condition may be caused by a TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma or by resistance to thyroid hormones.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE RESULT IS NEGATIVE?
If the result is negative, the concentration of TSH is below 5 µIU/ml. In some cases, samples with TSH concentration below this value (between 4 µIU/ml and 4.9 µIU/ml) can yield a positive result. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
HOW ACCURATE IS THE THYROID TSH TEST?
The Test is very accurate. Assessment reports show a concordance rate above 95% with
reference methods (CI 95%: 90.7– 99.2).
