THE NEED AND RATIONALE OF THYROID FUNCTION TESTS IN A TERTIARY CARE LABORATORY

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Waqar Azim
Mohsin Shafi
Wajiha Farooq
Saad Azim
Khalid Amjad Kiyani

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.

Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Azim W, Shafi M, Farooq W, Azim S, Kiyani KA. THE NEED AND RATIONALE OF THYROID FUNCTION TESTS IN A TERTIARY CARE LABORATORY. J Postgrad Med Inst [Internet]. 2011 Dec. 5 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];25(4). Available from: https://www.jpmi.org.pk/index.php/jpmi/article/view/1143
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Original Article