Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) with Retrospective HIV Serology Screening
This test measures your thyroid-stimulating hormone level and checks for past HIV infection through antibody testing in a blood sample drawn from you.
["It helps monitor thyroid function and assesses whether HIV was present at any point in your past."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15000-3
- Short code
- TSH pre TRH IV SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- TSH pre TRH 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 This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms or risk factors for thyroid disorders (like fatigue, weight changes, or hair loss) or if you’re being evaluated for conditions that require thyroid hormone management. The retrospective HIV screening is part of a broader assessment for HIV exposure, often done in specific clinical settings like HIV prevention programs or certain research studies.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes. If you’re taking blood from your own vein at home, follow the instructions provided with your test kit carefully.
What the Results Mean
TSH results help determine if your thyroid gland is working normally. Elevated or low TSH levels may indicate conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The HIV antibody test detects past exposure to HIV, but it won’t show current infection status. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your medical history.
Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose
TSH testing can help diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). The retrospective HIV screening identifies whether you may have been exposed to HIV in the past, supporting further evaluation if needed.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
TSH + HIV Screen (Retrospective)
Frequently asked questions
How might abnormal results affect my care?
Can I get this test at home?
How long will it take to get my results?
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