A patient is suspected of having congenital hypothyroidism.Which test would be most appropriate initially for confirming this suspicion?
A)Thyroxine, free
B)Transferrin
C)Triglycerides
D)Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most appropriate initial test for confirming congenital hypothyroidism is measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. In this condition, TSH levels are elevated due to a lack of circulating thyroid hormone, which signals the pituitary gland to produce more TSH in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid gland. Thyroxine, free, transferrin, and triglycerides are not typically used in the initial diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism.

A Patient Is Suspected of Having Congenital Hypothyroidism