On-the-spot blood thyroid-stimulating hormone testing in pharmacies.
Expand your pharmacy services with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) testing.
The Igloo Reader Pro delivers rapid, reliable results that evaluate follicle-stimulating hormone level right at the point of care.
Key takeaways
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) controls thyroid hormone production.
- High TSH typically suggests underactive thyroid; low TSH suggests overactive thyroid.
- With Igloo Reader Pro, pharmacies can provide rapid, on-the-spot TSH testing for their customers.
Learn more about our Starter Kit for Pharmacies >
What is TSH?
TSH is a pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid to make and release thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In healthy situation, there is a negative feed back loop in the organism - when T4 and T3 fall, TSH rises; when T4 and T3 rise, TSH falls.
Because TSH shifts earlier and more strongly than T4 and T3, it is used as a screen for thyroid dysfunction and helps distinguish primary (thyroid) from central (pituitary) causes. Persistently abnormal TSH is linked to symptoms and risks of hypo- or hyperthyroidism, and in iodine-poor settings to goiter and neurodevelopmental risks in pregnancy if deficiency is severe.
Why TSH testing matters in pharmacy?
TSH is the primary marker used to assess thyroid function. Measuring TSH helps detect underactive or overactive thyroid conditions early, supporting pharmacies in deliver timely support and personalised guidance for their customers.
Offering TSH testing allows pharmacies to:
- Deliver new health services to customers.
- Identify at-risk groups, such as pregnant people.
- Enhance customer trust and engagement.
- Increase revenue by linking results to follow-up services and appropriate product recommendations.
How is TSH measured?
- Sample: Blood.
- Units: mIU/L (mU/L).
Interpretation: TSH can be reviewed independently or together with T3 and T4. Always follow the instructions for use (IFU) provided to your pharmacy with the device and a test kit.
TSH testing with Igloo Reader Pro
TSH can be measured from a small capillary sample with the Igloo Reader Pro in pharmacy or any other health-related business workflows. Results can be tracked in the app and reviewed alongside T4 and T3.
Benefits for pharmacies:
- Provide fast, reliable TSH testing for customers.
- Expand the range of in-pharmacy services.
- Support early identification of changes in TSH levels for pharmacy customers.
- Seamlessly integrate into daily pharmacy operations.
What are normal TSH values?
Normal ranges of TSH are typically wide - from 0.4 mIU/L to 4.5 mIU/L - and may depend on the laboratory and measurement device.
What are low and high TSH levels?
A very low TSH level: <0.4 mIU/L.
High TSH level: >4.5 mIU/L.
It is important to underline that many laboratories have slightly different guidelines and reference intervals, which should be taken into consideration while looking at the clinical context. The normal ranges may differ depending on age, sex, and other parameters.
In cases of abnormal TSH levels, pharmacies and other point-of-care health-related businesses can provide guidance on potential iodine-rich dietary sources and commonly recommended supplements, while always referring customers to a clinician for personalized evaluation and supplementation advice.
Why pharmacies should offer TSH testing?
Adding TSH testing allows pharmacies to:
- Strengthen their role as community health and wellness hubs.
- Offer rapid TSH status checks directly to customers.
- Provide supplements, guidance, or referrals when needed.
- Open new revenue streams through testing services.
Learn more about the Pharmacy Starter Kit >
Literature
- NIH National Library of Medicine - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Iodine: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- Martin I. Surks, TSH Reference Limits: New Concepts and Implications for Diagnosis of Subclinical Hypothyroidism, Endocrine Practice, 19, 6, 2013, 1066-1069, ISSN 1530-891X.
Disclaimer
This information is educational and does not qualify for a medical advice. Always use local reference ranges and consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about diagnostics for pharmacists.
A thyroid-stimulating hormone blood test measures the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood.
It is reasonable to pair with free T4 and T3. Thyroid antibodies (e.g., TPOAb, TSI/TRAb) may help with the cause when hyper- or hypothyroidism is suspected.
The Igloo Reader Pro enables rapid TSH testing using a small capillary blood sample, with results available in minutes. It is designed for easy integration into pharmacy or dental clinic workflows, helping to deliver timely, accurate information to their customers.
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