Latent Hypothyroidism: Diagnostic Tests

The diagnosis of latent (subclinical) hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism) is made primarily by clinical presentation and laboratory testing.

Optional medical device diagnostics-depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics-are used for differential diagnosis.

  • Thyroid ultrasonography (ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland) – to visualize the size of the thyroid gland and detect any nodules that may be present.
  • Thyroid scintigraphy (imaging of the thyroid gland and its function using radioactive substances) – for example, in the presence of thyroid nodules to differentiate cold and hot nodules.
  • Fine needle biopsy (sonography-guided tissue sampling) – in case of abnormalities in thyroid scintigraphy.