Thyroid problems: How doctors check for them.

A blood test can detect hypothyroidism; for hyperthyroidism doctors look for signs such as an enlarged gland, a fast pulse, or a tremor and may use blood tests, thyroid scans or a radioactive iodine uptake test to assess function.

Doctors use a few standard tests to determine whether someone has a thyroid problem. A single blood test that measures thyroid hormone levels is usually sufficient to detect hypothyroidism. For suspected hyperthyroidism, clinicians look for physical signs such as an enlarged thyroid gland, a faster pulse, or a fine tremor in the fingers. If needed, blood tests and imaging can be used to evaluate thyroid function. Tests and signs: - A blood test measuring thyroid hormone levels is used to detect hypothyroidism. - For hyperthyroidism, doctors may look for an enlarged thyroid, a rapid pulse, and a finger tremor. - Blood tests are commonly used to check hormone levels when hyperthyroidism is suspected. - A thyroid scan uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to show how the gland is working. - A radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test involves taking a small oral dose of radioactive iodine and using a sensor to measure how much the thyroid absorbs; the tracer is later excreted in urine. Summary: Blood tests are the primary method to identify thyroid disorders, and scans or an RAIU test may follow when clinicians seek more detail about gland function. Undetermined at this time.