Thyrotropin – Releasing hormone Stimulation
(TRH)

Sample type:

• Serum

Uses:

• This test can provide information that may be useful in distinguishing different types of thyroid problems.

• A diagnostic test that involves taking an intravenous (IV) dose of TRH to assess its effect on your thyroid hormones.

• May help differentiate hypothalamic from pituitary hypothyroidism.

• TRH also stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) as well as prolactin

Precautions:

• No special precautions .

Interfering factors :

• Contraindicated in pregnancy.

• TRH can cause smooth muscle spasm; use with caution in asthma and ischemic heart disease.

• The TSH response to TRH is modified by antithyroid drugs, corticosteroids, estrogens , large amounts of salicylates, and levodopa.

• No T4 or T3 should be given for 3 weeks prior to test.

• The use of steroids, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), or medications used for Parkinson’s disease can alter the results, making interpretation unreliable.

Pre analytical errors :

1. Unlabeled or mislabeled sample

The corrective action:

1. Reject the sample and another one is requested.

Post analytical errors

1. Write wrong name on the report.

2. Send wrong results to the patient.

The corrective action :

1. make sure that the name and all data are right

2. Communicate to the patient and apologize for this mistake and sent the right report to him.