For more information of Thyroid in Pregnancy please see Thyroid Conditions and Pregnancy – RefHelp (nhslothian.scot)
Interpretation of Thyroid Function Tests – CHANGES OCTOBER 2021
Following the transition to Roche automated laboratory equipment there has been associated changes in reference values for all thyroid function tests. Based on comparative studies, clinical biochemistry predict there may be a greater instance of patients with apparent high free T4 but normal TSH, particularly in patients treated with thyroxine.
Roche themselves indicate a separate free T4 reference range for ‘patients on thyroxine treatment with euthyroid TSH’ of 14-28 pmol/L. Please consider this and interpret the results of free T4 and TSH measurements together alongside clinical findings before considering referral to endocrinology.
General thyroid disease will be seen in the endocrine clinics at RIE, WGH and SJH. Advice can be sought on any thyroid question by selecting the ‘Advice only’ option on SCI Gateway.
Patients with suspected thyroid cancer and euthyroid patients with goitres should be referred to the thyroid nodule clinic at RIE via SCI Gateway.
Please note that none of the endocrinologists in the Edinburgh Centre for Endocrinology will prescribe desiccated thyroid extract (also known as DTE, natural desiccated thyroid, NDT or Armour thyroid), in line with advice from the British Thyroid Association. Please see the British Thyroid Association statement on the management of hypothyroidism.
The Edinburgh Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes gives details about clinics as well as information and support for patients.
Please see individual pages for other details:
British Thyroid Association statement
BTA and BTF updated information on T3 plus T4
Thyroid Patient information leaflets
Excellent patient information leaflets are provided by the British Thyroid Foundation (BTF). Patients can be directed to look at these on-line or individual leaflets can be printed from the website. The BTF will also send out larger volumes of specific information leaflets, although this requires a payment. Details are on their website and leaflets can be accessed on the following link:
