Interpreting thyroid tests.

Interpreting thyroid tests.

Costa A J

American Family Physician

1995

1995-12

Thyroid diseases are commonly encountered in family practice and are often suspected on the basis of the history and physical examination. The prevalence of thyroid disease in the general population is 0.5 percent, but it can be much higher in selected groups of patients, such as the elderly. A basic understanding of thyroid physiology and the methodology of laboratory thyroid testing is essential for the evaluation and management of patients suspected of having thyroid disease. Recently developed tests, such as the ultra-sensitive thyroid-stimulating hormone test, provide the means for rapid and definitive diagnosis of common thyroid conditions.

Humans; *Thyroid Function Tests; Thyroid Diseases/*diagnosis/physiopathology; Thyroid Hormones/blood; Thyrotropin/blood

Article information provided for research and reference use only. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).

2325–2330

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