Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Measurement
This test measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood, which helps your thyroid gland produce hormones. TSH is a key indicator of thyroid function.
["Your TSH level helps doctors check if your thyroid is working properly."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48077-2
- Short code
- TSH 2.5h p LRH IV SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- TSH 2.5h p LRH IV SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.4
- Ref high
- 4
- Critical range
- 0.1 N/A – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84443
- SNOMED
- 301343003
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate thyroid function, diagnose conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), or monitor thyroid treatment. It’s often the first test used to check thyroid health.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, similar to other blood tests. If you’re on thyroid medication, check with your doctor first to confirm whether to stop temporarily.
How the Test Works
Blood is collected and sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using HPLC to measure TSH levels. HPLC is a precise method for detecting small amounts of hormones in your blood.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted based on your symptoms, medical history, and other tests. High TSH levels often suggest hypothyroidism, while low levels may indicate hyperthyroidism. Your doctor will discuss these results with you.
Reference range
Adult: 0.4-4.0 mIU/LN/A
Take your thyroid medication after the blood draw if applicable. No fasting required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: TSH is a critical hormone regulator. It signals the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones (like T3 and T4). Abnormal levels can lead to fatigue, weight changes, or other symptoms, so monitoring it is essential for managing thyroid health.
Short name
TSH with HPLC
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal TSH levels?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect TSH levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy