What is this test?
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) controls thryoid gland activity and is typically used as a marker of thyroid health. TSH is not produced in your thyroid, but by the pituitary gland, a tiny organ the size of a pea found at the based of your brain. TSH however, acts directly on your thyroid and causes the thyroid to release its two hormones, T3 and T4, to help control your body’s metabolism (the rate at which your body uses energy).
The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test is done to find out whether your thyroid is working properly, or to determine whether your thyroid gland is underactive i.e. producing too little T3 and/or T4 (“hypothyroidism”), or overactive i.e. producing too much T3 and/or T4 (“hyperthyroidism”). TSH is also used to keep track of treatment with thyroid replacement medicine for hypothyroidism, and to monitor people who are treated with anti-thyroid medication for hyperthyroidism.
To learn more about this test click here.
Preparing for this test
Choose and purchase your test online
Print your request form
Please state what thyroid mediaction you are on
Visit any of our collection centres to have your test
Receive your results
FAQs
Yes, you can request any of the test listed on our website without a medical referral if you are aged 16 years or over. For any medical advice regarding these tests, please consult your health provider
We will email your results to you. Results sent by email are password protected. Your password will be emailed to you.Use the password to open the file emailed to you. Your results will be emailed to you and in most cases will be available within 7 days.
No, but we may seek your authorisation to do so if your results are significantly abnormal.
We only offer a defined range of tests for self-requests. For all other tests, please see your healthcare provider to order a test for you. They will be able to determine its clinical relevance to your specific situation.
You need to consult your healthcare provider if you require interpretive advice. Learn more about understanding your results here >
You can also book a virtual consult with a New Zealand registered GP through HouseCall. Learn more here >
MyTests is a service provided by Awanui and its New Zealand-wide laboratory network. Your blood sample and information stay in New Zealand.
Awanui Labs has laboratories in Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington (including Hutt Valley and Porirua), Nelson/Marlborough, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Dunedin, Otago region and Invercargill.
Our laboratories hold accreditation against ISO 15189:2012 as a medical testing laboratory service.
Each test is priced differently depending on what type of test it is. All tests also require a collection fee to collect the sample, or to provide you a sample collection container. This fee is charged once at the final checkout stage.
Most blood tests don’t require any special preparation.
Some tests require an appointment or simple advance preparation. If special preparation is required, for example, fasting before your test, it will be included on the information specific to the test.
Find a collection centre
Visit any of our 150 collection centres located throughout New Zealand.
You don’t need to book in to receive your test, but in specific locations you are able to make a booking to ensure you’re seen at the time you arrive.
