What Is Third Generation TSH?
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland (at the base of the brain) to regulate the amounts of thyroid hormones in blood and help control the rate at which the body uses energy. Third generation TSH refers to the laboratory test that measures the amount of TSH in blood even at very low concentrations. Significance Third generation TSH differs from first and second generations in that it has a functional sensitivity (the lowest TSH concentration the test can measure accurately) of 0.01 to 0.02, which is lower than other generation TSH tests. Function Doctors use third generation TSH testing to screen for thyroid disorders and monitor TSH levels in those using thyroid medications. Doctors may also use the test to diagnose and monitor infertility problems in females. Benefits A low third generation TSH levels indicates an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), where a high third generation TSH reflects an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Both co
