In this paper, I argue that the method for diagnosing abnormal thyroid function should be the free serum thyroxine (FT4) test. The current and most widely used method for diagnosis is the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test. The FT4-first testing approach is more accurate and more cost-effective and should replace the TSH test.
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Stockigt J. Clinical strategies in the testing of thyroid function. Endotext [Internet]. 2011 June 1 [cited 2016 September 13]; Available from NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285558/
de los Santos ET, Starich GH, Mazzaferri EL. Sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness of the sensitive thyrotropin assay in the diagnosis of thyroid disease in ambulatory patients. JAMA [Internet]. 1989 March [cited 2016 September 13]; 149(3):526-32. Available from PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2493228