THE NEED AND RATIONALE OF THYROID FUNCTION TESTS IN A TERTIARY CARE LABORATORY
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Abstract
Objective:
To find out the outcome of thyroid function tests in a tertiary care laboratory and to assess the
Methodology:
It was a descriptive study which was carried out in a tertiary care laboratory of
Rawalpindi. Patient's demographic data and clinical details were recorded. Blood samples were obtained
and analysis was done. Results were analyzed on SPSS version 17.
Results
: One hundred twenty seven samples of both sexes with age range 15-80 years were selected for
study and non probability random sampling was done. There were 94 (74%) females and 33 (26%) males.
Age range of the patients was 38.8 + 14.4 years. Majority of the patients were found to be euthyroid
76.38%. On basis of history, the most common symptom for which thyroid testing was advised was
lethargy.
Conclusion
: For non-specific symptoms, full thyroid profile should not be advised, rather Thyroid
Stimulating Hormone (TSH) should be used as a first line screening test. Full thyroid profile is an
expensive test and has financial implications on both patients as well as the laboratory, so rational use of
thyroid function tests is recommended.
rationality of thyroid function tests advice.
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