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Choose collection locationEndocrinology · Individual laboratory test
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
TSH is the pituitary gland's signal to the thyroid. It is often the first blood test used to investigate changes in thyroid function.
Price for this test on its ownAED 135Test price AED 35
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) measure?
Also called Thyroid Function Screen
TSH may help investigate symptoms of altered thyroid function or monitor prescribed thyroid treatment. It reflects communication between the pituitary and thyroid glands.
When it may be requested
Investigating thyroid symptoms
TSH measures the pituitary signal that tells the thyroid to produce hormone.
Following a treatment plan
Measurements taken under similar conditions can help your prescriber assess change over time.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
No fast is usually required. For follow-up, use a similar time of day. Confirm the timing of your thyroid medication with your prescriber and disclose biotin, which can interfere with some assays.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideThyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Reading your result
A high or low signal has to be read with thyroid hormones and the clinical setting. Pituitary conditions and pregnancy can alter the usual interpretation.
What can affect it
- A TSH result can require free hormone measurements, particularly during acute illness or with pituitary disease.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testThyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
When TSH differs from an earlier result, review treatment timing, recent illness and any free T4 measurement taken with it.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Why might the next step be free T4?
TSH shows the signal to the thyroid, while free T4 shows a circulating thyroid hormone. Reading both helps explain a change in the signal.
Why does a high TSH mean an underactive thyroid?
TSH is the instruction, not the product. When the thyroid is not producing enough hormone, the pituitary detects the shortfall and sends a stronger signal, so the TSH number goes up even though thyroid activity is down.
Why does my doctor wait before rechecking TSH after a dose change?
The pituitary takes weeks to re-equilibrate after thyroid hormone levels shift. Testing too soon shows the old state rather than the effect of the new dose.
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Your next step
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.