Selfcheck Thyroid Health Test

The test requires a finger-prick blood sample and gives a result in 10 minutes.

All the components necessary to perform the test are included in the test kit, together with an easy-to-follow instruction leaflet written in clear English. 

Who is the test for?

The test is for adult men and women. Common symptoms of an under active thyroid may include feeling tired, weight gain, dry skin, brittle hair, feeling depressed and becoming forgetful, but of course there can be many other reasons, other than an under active thyroid, for these symptoms.

Contraindications

This test should not be used if you are undergoing hormone treatment for thyroid problems. Always speak with your doctor if you are anxious about your health or concerned about your symptoms. Whatever your test result, do not change your medication or lifestyle without first discussing with your doctor or pharmacist.

Accuracy

The SELFCHECK® Thyroid Health Test shows 99% overall agreement with hospital laboratory tests for the detection of TSH. The test gives a positive result when the TSH level in the blood is 5µIU/mL (5 micro International Units per millilitre) or higher.*

It's important that you appreciate the potential benefits and limitations of TSH testing so that you can decide whether or not you want to test. 

Key Features & Benefits

• May provide reassurance if the result is normal
• Can help find early signs of thyroid disease

Although a normal TSH level usually means the thyroid is working normally(1), TSH tests are not 100% accurate for diagnosing thyroid disease by themselves; it can miss some some types of thyroid diseases and may give a false sense of security

Your doctor can request a full thyroid function screen blood test by your hospital, in addition to TSH, which gives more information for a diagnosis

Further information on thyroid function tests can be found from the British Thyroid Foundation.

How to use your test

1. Prepare: Wash your hands
2. Collect Sample: Use the sterile lancet provided for a simple finger prick
3. Apply Sample: Place the blood sample onto the test device
4. Add Solution: Add the buffer solution as directed
5. Read Result: Your result will appear in 10 minutes

Full, easy-to-follow instructions are included in every kit.

Understanding Your Result

The self-test takes just over 10 minutes to complete, and will give you a simple yes or no result as to whether the TSH level at the time of testing is in the normal range, or higher.

You may be anxious about testing but remember, a TSH test is just a tool to give you information, and is not a final diagnosis of thyroid disease.

Positive result

If the result is positive, it means that the TSH level in your blood is higher than normal (5µIU/mL). There are many reasons why you might have raised levels of TSH and you should speak with your GP to discuss your result. Your doctor will perform a full clinical assessment to understand what this result means for you and determine the next steps, which may include further tests by a hospital laboratory. Please take the instruction leaflet with you to your appointment, as it contains important information for your doctor.

Negative result

If the result is negative it means that the TSH level in your blood is in the normal range (less than 5µIU/mL). However, all medical tests can have false negative results. If you have symptoms that concern you, or are anxious about your health, then you should still speak with your doctor.