Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Detection and monitoring of functionless pituitary tumoursDetection and monitoring of glycoprotein hormone-secreting adenomas e.g. TSH, LH/FSHDetection and monitoring of malignant gastroenteropancreatic tumours.
Investigation of anomalous thyroid function test results.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum sample
Specimen container adult:
Serum sample
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL
Minimum volume adult:
0.5 mL
Special requirements:
Store sample at 4°C
Sample stability:
5 days at 2 to 8C, 6 months at -20C
Transport requirements:
Sample to arrive on a weekday
Availability:
Sample sent to an external laboratory for analysis
Reference ranges:
Adult (Male and Female) <1 IU/L
Menopause and mid cycle <3 IU/L
Pregnancy – there is a 0.1% cross reaction with hCG resulting in very high ASU results in pregnancy.