Thyroid Test Kit TSH Blood Test
Thyroid Test Kit TSH Blood Test
ALLTEST Thyroid TSH test kit
The ALLTEST rapid TSH home test kit is the perfect solution for easily and efficiently testing for an under-active thyroid at home. This thyroid function test kit features simple and intuitive step-by-step instructions to test for an underactive thyroid, allowing you to monitor your health from the comfort and convenience of your home.
Check for underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) from the comfort of your home with our reliable and easy-to-use home TSH blood test kit.
This home test is designed to detect elevated levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in your blood, a key indicator of low thyroid function. When the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroxine, TSH levels rise, making it an essential marker for diagnosing hypothyroidism.
With the TSH blood test kit, you can get results in just 10 minutes. The process is simple:
- Use the sterile lancet provided to take a small blood sample from your fingertip.
- Transfer the sample to the test cassette using the included micropipette.
- Add the buffer solution as directed in the instructions.
- Wait 10 minutes to view your results. A positive result indicates a TSH concentration above the normal range (≥ 5 µIU/ml).
What’s included in the ALLTEST home thyroid test kit?
- Easy-to-follow instructions.
- Test cassette and buffer solution.
- Sterile lancet and micropipette
Quick, accurate, and convenient, the TSH blood test kit provides everything you need to check your thyroid function with confidence.
How accurate is the test?
The ALLTEST Home Thyroid Test Kit offers quick and accurate results when used according to the provided instructions. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive assessment and confirmation of the results.
Thyroid test at home
This is a simple, easy to use home thyroid function test kit that measures the level of a hormone TSH in your blood (Thyroid stimulating hormone) to identify an underactive thyroid. The test kit is not able to identify an overactive thyroid.
Key features of the ALLTEST thyroid test kit:
- The test kit is a lateral flow test that measures the TSH level in a blood sample
- The ALLTEST home thyroid test kit pack contains everything which is needed to perform this test at home.
- The thyroid test kit only requires a small blood sample and this is obtained through a finger prick.
- Full set of instructions is included to enable you to perform a thyroid test at home
- Result obtained within 5 minutes.
- The thyroid test kit is single use ie it can not be reused.
- The test measures TSH and is thus able to identify Primary Hypothyroidism (by far the most common form of under-active Thyroid).
- CE marked for self-testing
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the ALLTEST Home Thyroid Test Kit:
1. What does the ALLTEST Thyroid test measure?
A home thyroid test for underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), such as the ALLTEST kit, measures the levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in your blood.
2. Can this test detect an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)?
No, the ALLTEST Home Thyroid Test Kit is designed solely to identify an underactive thyroid by measuring elevated TSH levels. It does not detect an overactive thyroid.
3. Is this TSH blood test kit suitable for professional use?
Yes, the underactive thyroid test kit is available individually for home use or in bulk packs for professional clinic use.
4. Are there any limitations to the test?
Yes, the test is designed to screen for underactive thyroid by measuring TSH levels. It cannot diagnose other thyroid conditions or diseases. Additionally, certain factors like improper sample collection or not following instructions can affect the accuracy of the results.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the TSH and underactive thyroid:
What is an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)?
An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body's needs. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and various bodily functions.
What is TSH?
TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in your brain. It regulates the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) by the thyroid gland.
How does TSH indicate hypothyroidism?
When your thyroid gland isn’t producing enough thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), your body compensates by increasing the production of TSH. Elevated TSH levels are an early and reliable indicator of an underactive thyroid, even before other symptoms become noticeable.
Why measure TSH levels?
Testing TSH levels is considered the most sensitive and important test for diagnosing hypothyroidism. The test specifically checks if your TSH levels are above the normal range (typically ≥ 5 µIU/ml for most home TSH test kits), which may indicate low thyroid function.
The home test allows you to quickly check your TSH levels without needing to visit a doctor, providing a convenient first step in monitoring your thyroid health. If the test indicates elevated TSH levels, you should consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.
What is a normal TSH level on a laboratory test?
Normal TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) level in a blood test generally falls within the range of 0.4 to 5.5 milli-international units per litre (mIU/L), though the exact reference range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory. This is the current TSH range that is regarded as normal, in the UK NHS laboratories.
- Low TSH (<0.38mIU/L): Could indicate hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or over-replacement of thyroid hormone in someone taking thyroid medication.
- High TSH (>5.5 mIU/L): Could indicate hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) or insufficient thyroid hormone replacement.
If you have TSH levels outside the normal range, your doctor or clinician may assess other thyroid markers, such as Free T4, Free T3, and thyroid antibodies, to better understand your thyroid function. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare provider for a personalised interpretation of results.
What causes an underactive Thyroid?
Hypothyroidism is often caused by conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder), iodine deficiency, or as a result of certain medical treatments like thyroid surgery or radiation therapy. Testing for elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels is an effective way to detect hypothyroidism, as TSH levels rise when the thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones.
Symptoms of an under active Thyroid may include:
- Tiredness,
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold
- Heavy periods
- Constipation
- Hair Loss.
- Feeling depressed or lacking in energy
How common is underactive thyroid?
Underactive thyroid is more common in women than men. It affects about 15 in every 1,000 women and 1 in 1,000 men in the UK.
Health risks of an untreated underactive thyroid
- Heart problems.
- Goitre-enalrged Thyroid gland producing a lump in the neck
- Depression and mental health problems
- Peripheral neuropathy.
- Myxoedema.
- Reduced fertility
- Pregnancy complications
- There is some evidence that people with an underactive thyroid may have an increased risk of severe Covid-19 infection
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How does the test work?
This is a lateral flow test that requires a small blood sample obtained through a finger prick. The sample is then applied to the test cassette, and results are available within 5 minutes.
Is the test painful?
No, the home test is not painful. The test involves a simple finger-prick to collect a small blood sample, similar to what is done for a blood glucose test, so you do need to be comfortable with pricking your finger to obtain the blood samples.
You use a sterile lancet to make a tiny puncture on your fingertip. Most people describe the sensation as a quick, mild pinch or prick that only lasts a moment. The lancet is designed to minimise discomfort.
If you are concerned about the process, you can warm your hands before the test to improve blood flow and reduce any discomfort further.
How long does the Thyroid test take?
The Thyroid test takes approximately 10 minutes to complete from start to finish.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Preparation: Setting up the kit takes just a couple of minutes.
- Blood Collection: Using the lancet to collect a small blood sample is quick and straightforward.
- Testing Process: Once the blood sample is added to the test cassette with the buffer solution, the result will appear in about 10 minutes.
The instructions included in the Thyroid test kit are clear and easy to follow, ensuring a smooth and efficient testing process.
Can the kit be reused?
No, the home test kit cannot be reused. It is designed for single use only to ensure accuracy, hygiene, and reliability of the results. Each kit includes all the components needed for one test.
After completing the test, all used components should be safely disposed of, following the instructions provided in the kit. If you need to repeat the test again in the future, you’ll need to purchase a new test kit.