INTERPRETING THYROID TESTS

Thyroid diseases are commonly encountered in family practice and are o ften suspected on the basis of the history and physical examination. T he prevalence of thyroid disease in the general population is 0.5 perc ent, but it can be much higher in selected groups of patients, such as the elderly. A basic understanding of thyroid physiology and the meth odology of laboratory thyroid testing is essential for the evaluation and management of patients suspected of having thyroid disease. Recent ly developed tests, such as the ultra-sensitive thyroid-stimulating ho rmone test, provide the means for rapid and definitive diagnosis of co mmon thyroid conditions.