The upper limit of the reference range for thyroid-stimulating hormone should not be confused with a cut-off to define subclinical hypothyroidism

摘要

The biochemical hallmark of primary hypothyroidism is an elevated serum concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). However, there is much debate concerning the significance of modestly elevated TSH concentration in the presence of a total or free thyroxine concentration within the reference range - the so-called subclinical hypothyroidism. In 2002, the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry published a monograph on laboratory support for the diagnosis and monitoring of thyroid disease.