Test results

[Shari37]

I picked up the report from the lab on the thyroid  TSH test.  That's the only one they did. It said
TSH, 3rd Generation 1.24 mIU/L
w/reflex to FT4 Reference Range: > OR = 20 Years:  0.40 - 4.50

What does this all mean.  I understand the 0.40 - 4.50 but what does it mean w/reflex to FT4 > OR = 20 years,  what's that all about?  And what does the 3rd Generation mean?  I've never had any other tests but I'm going to see an Endocrinologist on the 4/23/08 to see if I'm getting the right treatment.  I've been thinking about going off the Levothyroxine 0.1 mg  before I see him to see what another TSH test would show, am I really needing the medicine.  I don't know if that would be good or not.

[Shari37]

Thanks for the information. I guess that everythings ok and I don't need to have any problems with my thyroid, and the syptoms I have probably not related. Saw family doctor today thought I had food poisoning but he thinks its my gall blader. I guess I could cancel the appt with the endo dr.

[kitty9309]

The > or = to 20 years means the reference range is for adults 20 years and older. Some labs report seperate reference ranges for kids.

[GravesLady]

3rd Generation test is a more sensitive TSH test which shows lower more sensitive readings. The reason for the sensitive tests are because it's important to know if TSH is being secreted at all.

I am not 100% sure but I think, TSH w/reflex to F/T4  means if  a TSH results are less than or greater than your Labs TSH range, they want a Free T4 done in addition to the TSH.
As far as "OR = 20 years" probably a misinterpretation.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This is a completely normal TSH and suggests you have normal thyroid function on the current dose of levothyroxine -- not sure why you would stop the medicine - suggest discussing with your doctor first.  3rd generation means a very sensitive test.