Common mistakes around TSH Kinder

Common mistakes around TSH in children: First, reference ranges are age-dependent – newborns and infants have much higher TSH levels than adults, so adult cutoffs are inappropriate. Second, a single elevated TSH is often misinterpreted as hypothyroidism; many children have transient elevations due to infections, iodine deficiency, or assay variability. Third, direct-to-consumer (DTC) tests like those from MyBody-X are not validated for clinical diagnosis or treatment decisions. Fourth, TSH alone is insufficient – free T4 and antibodies are needed for proper assessment. Fifth, never initiate thyroid hormone therapy based solely on a home test. Always consult a pediatric endocrinologist. Evidence: strong clinical guidelines (e.g., AAP, ESPE) and population studies. DTC tests lack clinical utility.