Objective: It is reported that the first tests to evaluate thyroid functions in the guidelines of American Thyroid Association (ATA), American Association of Clinic Endocrinologs (AACE) and Turkey Endocrinology and Metabolism Association are thyroid stimulated hormone (TSH) and free T4 (fT4). In this study, it was aimed to investigate the appropriateness of thyroid function test requests to the clinically foreseen algorithm in Giresun Province Center.

Materials and Methods: TSH, fT3 and fT4 test results, which were worked and reported between 01.01.2016 and 31.12.2016 in the Ministry of Health Prof.Dr.A.İlhan Özdemir State Hospital Medical Biochemistry Laboratory, were obtained from the Laboratory Information System records. Thyroid function tests were evaluated in 4 groups (Only TSH; TSH + fT4; TSH + fT3; TSH + fT3 + fT4). The results of each group were divided into three subgroups: hypothyroidism, normothyroidism and hyperthyroidism according to the reported TSH reference range (0.27-4.2 mIU / L).

Results: Thyroid function test panel requests (n = 65,533), TSH + fT4 is the cause of 47.8%, TSH is the only cause of 34.3%, TSH + fT3 + fT4 is the 17.8% whereas TSH + fT3 was the cause. The percentage of additional fT3 and fT4 test numbers (n = 44,025) was calculated as 36.6% within the total number of tests (n = 120,308) required in the normothyroidic groups determined according to the TSH reference range (0.27-4.2 mIU / L).

Conclusion: According to the clinically foreseen algorithm for thyroid function tests, it was determined that fT3 and fT4 test requests together with TSH were used together with not being widespread when only TSH should be done. In addition, compared to the results obtained in different centers, it has been observed that the demand for thyroid function test in Giresun province center is more acceptable than that of the clinically prescribed algorithm.