Date
BC Guidelines is pleased to announce the recently revised guideline: Thyroid Function Testing in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Thyroid Function Disorder.
Thyroid Function Testing in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Thyroid Function Disorder (2018) is a revision of the 2010 version of the guideline. The guideline scope has expanded to include pediatric and pregnant patients.
Select Key Recommendations include:
- Routine thyroid function testing is not recommended in asymptomatic patients.
- A TSH value within the laboratory reference interval excludes the majority of cases of primary thyroid dysfunction.
- If initial TSH testing is normal, repeat testing is unnecessary unless there is a change in clinical condition.
- Measurement of fT3 is rarely indicated in suspected thyroid disease.
- Screening for undiagnosed hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism should not be performed in hospitalized patients or during acute illness.
- Full recommendation list
Other key changes to note include:
- A laboratory algorithm has been added to the guideline and outlines changes to ordering. If central hypothyroidism is being investigated "suspicion of pituitary insufficiency" should be included as a clinical indication and a request for fT4 (with or without TSH) should be indicated in the space provided on the standard out-patient laboratory requisition.
- Thyroid function test reports in BC will include trimester specific reference intervals on all women of child bearing age.
Other Updates:
To stay up to date with BC Guidelines, visit the “What’s New” section of our homepage at www.bcguidelines.ca.