TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is the single most sensitive blood test for thyroid function. A high TSH usually means an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and a low TSH an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It's the first-line screen, often followed by T3 and T4 if abnormal.
Clinical use cases
Why doctors order it
Thyroid dysfunction screening
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Subclinical thyroid dysfunction
Goitre
Primary thyroid screening
About this test
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is the single most sensitive blood test for thyroid function. A high TSH usually means an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and a low TSH an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It's the first-line screen, often followed by T3 and T4 if abnormal.
Clinical significance
TSH from the pituitary rises when the thyroid is underactive and falls when it is overactive, so it changes earlier than T3/T4 and detects even mild (subclinical) thyroid disease. It is used to diagnose thyroid disorders, fine-tune thyroid medication doses, and screen during pregnancy and fertility work-ups. Biotin supplements can interfere with results.
Get tested if you have these symptoms
Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
Persistent tiredness or low energy
Hair fall, dry skin or feeling cold
Palpitations, anxiety or heat intolerance
Irregular periods or difficulty conceiving
Swelling at the front of the neck (goitre)
What this test detects
Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Subclinical thyroid dysfunction
Goitre
Normal ranges
Normal (adult): 0.4–4.0 mIU/L
High
TSH: suggests hypothyroidism
Low
TSH: suggests hyperthyroidism
Pregnancy: trimester-specific, lower upper limit
Reference ranges vary by lab and patient demographic. Interpret with a clinician.
Sample & preparation
Sample type
Blood (Serum)
Fasting
Not required
Report TAT
Same day / 24 hours
Home collection
Available
How to prepare
1No special preparation
Frequently asked questions
What is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum?
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is the single most sensitive blood test for thyroid function. A high TSH usually means an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and a low TSH an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It's the first-line screen, often followed by T3 and T4 if abnormal.
What conditions does the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum detect?
The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum helps detect and monitor conditions including Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Subclinical thyroid dysfunction, Goitre.
How should I prepare for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum?
No special preparation
What is the normal range for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum?
Normal (adult): 0.4–4.0 mIU/L
High TSH: suggests hypothyroidism
Low TSH: suggests hyperthyroidism
Pregnancy: trimester-specific, lower upper limit Note: reference ranges may vary by laboratory and should be interpreted by your doctor in the context of your overall health.
How much does the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum cost?
The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum is available at ₹199 (MRP ₹399) on PingMeDoc with free home sample collection. Prices are inclusive of sample collection charges.
Do I need to fast for a TSH or thyroid test?
No fasting is required for TSH or a thyroid profile. It's best taken in the morning, and if you're on thyroid medication, give the sample before your daily dose.
What is the difference between TSH and the T3, T4 (TFT) test?
TSH alone is the most sensitive screen for thyroid problems. A full Thyroid Function Test (TFT) adds T3 and T4, which show how much hormone the thyroid is actually producing — useful when TSH is abnormal or to confirm a diagnosis.
What does a high TSH mean?
A high TSH usually means an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), where the pituitary is working harder to stimulate the gland. Symptoms can include tiredness, weight gain, hair fall and feeling cold. Your doctor may add T4 testing and start treatment.
Does diet affect thyroid test results?
Everyday diet doesn't significantly change a single TSH reading, but high-dose biotin (vitamin B7) supplements can falsely alter results, so stop them 2–3 days before testing or tell the lab. Long-term iodine intake does affect thyroid health itself.
Does the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum test require fasting?
No fasting is required for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum test. You can eat and drink normally before sample collection.
How much does the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum test cost at PingMeDoc?
The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum test costs ₹199 at PingMeDoc (MRP ₹399). Free home sample collection is included. NABL-accredited lab processing. Reports delivered digitally in same day / 24 hours.
How long does it take to get Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum test results?
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum test results are typically available within same day / 24 hours after sample collection. You can view and download your digital report from your PingMeDoc dashboard.
What type of sample is needed for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum test?
The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum test requires blood (serum). A trained phlebotomist will collect the sample at your home at your preferred time slot.
Is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum test NABL accredited?
Yes. All lab tests on PingMeDoc, including the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum test, are processed by NABL-accredited and ISO-certified labs. Reports are reviewed and available on your dashboard.
Is home sample collection free for this test?
Yes. Home sample collection for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum test is free when booking through PingMeDoc. A phlebotomist visits your home or office at your scheduled time slot.
What conditions does the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum test help screen for?
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is the single most sensitive blood test for thyroid function. A high TSH usually means an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and a low TSH an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It's the first-line screen, often followed by T3 and T4 if abnormal. It is commonly used for: Hypothyroidism screening, Hyperthyroidism detection, Thyroid medication monitoring, Fertility and pregnancy workup.
How should I prepare for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum test?
No fasting required. Ideally test in the morning before taking thyroid medication. Inform the lab about biotin supplements — they can interfere with TSH results.
Test details are for general information only and not a substitute for medical advice. Reference ranges vary between labs. Always discuss results with a registered medical practitioner before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
₹199₹39950% OFF
Free home collection
What this test measures
1 parameters in the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum
The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum reports the following parameters. Reference ranges are typical adult values from NABL-accredited partner labs and may vary slightly by lab, age and sex — always read results with your doctor.
What is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum?
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is the single most sensitive blood test for thyroid function. A high TSH usually means an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and a low TSH an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It's the first-line screen, often followed by T3 and T4 if abnormal.
What conditions does the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum detect?
The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum helps detect and monitor conditions including Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Subclinical thyroid dysfunction, Goitre.
How should I prepare for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum?
No special preparation
What is the normal range for the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum?
Normal (adult): 0.4–4.0 mIU/L
High TSH: suggests hypothyroidism
Low TSH: suggests hyperthyroidism
Pregnancy: trimester-specific, lower upper limit Note: reference ranges may vary by laboratory and should be interpreted by your doctor in the context of your overall health.
How much does the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum cost?
The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)-Serum is available at Rs 199 (MRP Rs 399) on PingMeDoc with free home sample collection across India. Prices are inclusive of sample collection charges.
