Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests.
- Small blood count
- ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) [acute thyroiditis: ESR ↑; subacute thyroiditis: ESR ↑↑]
- CRP (C-reactive protein) [acute thyroiditis: CRP ↑; subacute thyroiditis: CRP (↑)]
- Thyroid parameters – TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), fT3 (triiodothyronine), fT4 (thyroxine).
Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and the obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- TRH-TSH test for thyroid function diagnosis.
- Thyroperoxidase antibodies (= TPO-Ak; thyroid peroxidase antibodies = PAK) or antibodies against microsomal thyroid antigen (microsomal antibodies, microsomal auto-AK = MAK) [Hashimoto’s thyroiditis): TPO antibodies ↑↑↑]
- Thyroglobulin antibodies (TAK; thyroglobulin autoantibodies (TGAK); thyroglobulin-Ak; Tg-Ak) [Graves’ disease: thyroglobulin autoantibodies (TGAK) detectable in approximately 90% of cases; TPO-Ak in cal 70% of cases]
- Thyroglobulin (synonym: hTG, TG) – suspected thyroid carcinoma or destructive thyroiditis (thyroiditis de Quervin).
- Fine needle biopsy – for histological examination.
- If necessary, pathogen detection after abscess opening.
