Utilização dos testes de função tireoidiana na prática clínica

Abstract

Laboratory tests are essential for the accurate diagnosis and cost-effective monitoring of thyroid dysfunction. Hormone levels can only confirm a diagnosis when there is a high level of clinical suspicion. For most patients, symptoms are nonspecific and subtle, so biochemical tests are necessary to identify the disorder. The purpose of this article is to critically analyze the use of standard thyroid function tests, which include measuring the levels of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones and antithyroid antibodies. The pitfalls of and impediments to the routine use of these tests are discussed based on a Medline database survey, and recommendations are presented to optimize the use of these diagnostic tools in clinical practice.