Test

[msh109]

I recently had blood work done. All negative except TSH, 3rd Generation which was low at 0.32. What exactly is TSH, 3rd Generation? Am I to be concerned? Thanks.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This is a normal level -- we use a reference range of 0.3-3.0 in our office -- 3rd generation means it is a sensitive test that can detect TSH levels that are very low (ie, 0.001)

[outrageous]

HI, I just had my thyroid checked - this is the second time.  My first results in June 2008 were: TSH 1.8.  On Wednesday, my TSH was .4 and my T4 was .7          I am 38 years old and have been sick with multiple GI infections (c dif 19 times( , group A strep, pancreatitis (6 times), viral meningitis (December 2008). - I am wondering if it was viral meningitis afterall, I had terrible vision loss and headache for a month.  They did a MRI of brain (negative).
I have been having terrible night sweats for 7 months - I change  my clothes 4 times a night - they are SOAKED!  I am losing my hair and I am exhausted all of the time. I am slightly anemic and my B12 level in on the low normal side.  My endocrinologist wants to repeat blood work in three weeks.

Until then, I would like to know if the T4 level is so low, what is the general treatment?  Also, if T4 is low and TSH is low, should I insist on checking the pituitary function to make sure it is OK?  if so, how is pituitary function tested?  One lab says .4 is low (range .5-1.5) and you wrote that it is in normal range (.3 being the lowest).  

Please help guide me what to do next - I have 3 young kids and I can barely keep up with them!

Thanks