TSH Test: Price, Purpose, Procedure & Preparation [2025]
The TSH Test measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. It helps evaluate how well your thyroid gland is functioning. This test is key in diagnosing and monitoring conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid inflammation. It is also important during pregnancy to support healthy fetal development. The TSH test price typically ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 500, depending on the lab and city.
What is a TSH Test?
The TSH test evaluates the level of thyroid-stimulating hormones produced by the pituitary gland. These hormones regulate the thyroid gland, which affects key bodily functions, including metabolism, mood, and energy levels.
Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | TSH Test, TSH ultrasensitive, TSH |
| Purpose | Pregnancy, Tumors, Weight loss or gain, mood swing & general checkup |
| Preparation | As per the doctor recommendation |
| Fasting | Required in few cases, consult a doctor before the test |
| Reporting Time | 8 to 24 Hrs. |
| Price | Rs. 200 to Rs. 400 |
TSH Test price in India
TSH is an affordable test and its price usually ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 500. However, prices do tend to vary depending on lab and city. Thus, we have provided the prices in some of the popular labs and metro cities. However, you can visit bookmerilab.com to check prices at nearby diagnostic centres in your city.
TSH Test Cost @ Popular Labs:
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Redcliffe Labs | Rs 299 |
| Dr Lal Path labs | Rs 380 ( City-based ) |
| Thyrocare | Rs 200 |
| Metropolis Healthcare | Rs 350 ( City-based ) |
| SRL Diagnostics | Rs 250 |
TSH Test Cost in Different Cities:
The calcium test cost depends upon the one recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost varies depending upon the lab and the city.
Purpose of a TSH Test
A thyroid test or TSH test is done to measure the level of thyroid hormones and diagnose thyroid diseases. TSH level in our body helps in the diagnosis of the following:
- Hyperthyroidism (TSH above normal)- It is a condition when there is over production of thyroid hormones. The symptoms include loss of sleep, weight loss, puffy face etc.
- Hypothyroidism (Below normal) is a condition when the thyroid gland secretes less hormones less than the normal. The symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, irregular periods etc.
- Thyroiditis– it is swelling or inflammation of the thyroid gland. It might lead to over secretion or under secretion of thyroid hormones.
- Thyroid tumors
- Thyroid cancer
- Other diseases like Grave and Hashimoto
- Thyroid nodule
Thyroid test during pregnancy
It is essential for the development of the brain and nervous system of a baby during pregnancy. The baby uses the thyroid from the mother as the gland is underdeveloped in a baby in the womb.
Thyroid level increases during pregnancy. The pregnancy hormones, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen increase the thyroid hormone in the blood. The TSH level might increase by 10-15% by the third trimester.
Reference Range during pregnancy
| Trimester | Unit | Reference range |
|---|---|---|
| 1st trimester | uIU/ml | 0.1-2.5 |
| 2nd trimester | uIU/ml | 0.2-3.0 |
| 3rd trimester | uIU/ml | 0.3-3.0 |
As a result, the reference range is lower for pregnant women. The abnormal level of TSH hormones than the reference range can cause problems such as-
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight baby
- Preeclampsia
- Congestive heart failure
Methods of TSH testing
There are 2 types of TSH testing.
Ultrasensitive
TSH ultrasensitive test is a blood test that measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH) in the blood. The test is commonly used to find the root cause of fluctuation in the TSH levels.
TSH ultrasensitive test is important for the following reasons-
- It is used to diagnose hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
- As a screening test in a new born
- Beneficial in monitoring hypothyroidism
- It is important to diagnose the cause of infertility in women.
Uses of TSH ultrasensitive test
With the TSH ultrasensitive test hyperthyroidism can be treated at an early stage.
3rd Generation TSH Test
Third generation thyroid-stimulating hormone test is the most sensitive screening test for hypothyroidism. The test shows a low level of thyroid hormones in the blood as a result of any deformity of the thyroid gland.
If the result is beyond the normal range there is a need to measure T4 (thyroxine) or FTI (free thyroxine index).
Pregnancy also influences the thyroid result. It is better to inform the healthcare provider about the pregnancy.
Preparation before TSH Test
In general, a TSH test does not require any prior preparation. However, the following should be kept in mind:
- Medicines: certain medication can interfere with the test result. Thus, you must inform the doctor about your existing medications.
- Thyroid medicine before test: If you are already taking medicines for a thyroid problem then you must skip the dose before getting yourself tested for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Always consult your doctor before skipping the medicines.
- During sickness: Acute health issues can interfere with the TSH test. One must get the TSH test done only after completely recovering from illness.
- Time of the day: TSH test depends on the time of the day. Thus, for monitoring of TSH level, it is preferable to give the sample at the same hour of the day. It reaches peak levels between 2 – 4 a.m. and at a minimum between 6-10 pm.
Procedure
TSH test requires a blood sample for testing. Thus the procedure entails the drawing of blood from the body. Common procedure is
- The test is performed by withdrawing a sample of blood from the vein in the arms.
- The site of puncture is cleaned with antiseptic and a band is tied on the upper arm. This makes the vein swell with blood.
- Blood is withdrawn with a syringe, collected and sent to the lab.
- The band is removed and the site of the puncture is covered with a bandage.
Results of TSH Test
Thyroid testing usually includes the test for TSH, T3 and T4. Further, FT3 & FT4 may be required for better diagnosis.
- T3 and T4 hormones are secreted by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
- T3 (triiodothyronine) and FT3 (free triiodothyronine) is done to diagnose hyperthyroidism.
- T4 (thyroxine) and FT4 (free thyroxine) test is done to diagnose hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
TSH test results are used by doctors to diagnose thyroid disorders. The test result may be either of the following three.
Normal TSH Level
The normal range of the TSH depends upon age, gender and body weight. However, the normal range is as shown below
| Test Name | Method | Unit | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSH, Serum | CLIA | uIU/ml | 0.4-5.5 |
High level of TSH
A high level of thyroid hormones in the blood indicates an underactive thyroid gland. It is a condition when the thyroid gland produces a low level of hormones in the blood.
Symptoms include-
- Weight gain
- Swelling on the face and neck
- Dry skin
- Thin hair
- Depression
- Disturbance in menstrual cycle
- Intolerance to cold temperature
- Fatigue
- Fertility problems
Low level of TSH
Low TSH or low level of thyroid-stimulating hormone indicates overactive thyroid glands. In such situations the thyroid gland secrets high levels of hormones in the blood.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include-
- Weakness in the muscles
- Loss of weight
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Diarrhea
- Mood swings
- Irregular heart beat
- Nervousness
Sample report
You shall take a view of the sample report given below.
What to do after the TSH test
TSH test or thyroid-stimulating hormone test does not reveal the reason for abnormal thyroid function. As a result, the healthcare provider may ask for further diagnostic tests that may include-
- T4
- T3
- FT3
- FT4
- Anti-TPO test (Diagnose Grave’s or Hashimoto’s disease)
Conclusion
Your doctor uses the TSH test to diagnose thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. A high and low level of thyroid can disturb your routine life. Fluctuation of the hormones during pregnancy causes various pregnancy-related complications.
After getting the test done your doctor will interpret the result and provide you with more information.
A TSH test typically costs between Rs 200 and Rs 500 in India, depending on the lab and location.
A normal TSH level ranges between 0.4 and 5.5 uIU/ml, though this may vary slightly by age and health conditions.
High TSH levels in females may indicate hypothyroidism, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and irregular periods. Consult a doctor for further evaluation.
Anyone experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or irregular heartbeat, or those with a family history of thyroid issues, may need a TSH test.
A TSH level significantly outside the normal range (e.g., above 10 uIU/ml) may require immediate medical attention to manage potential health risks.
Yes, high TSH levels, linked to hypothyroidism, can slow metabolism and cause weight gain in many individuals.
The best time for a TSH test is in the morning, as TSH levels are usually highest between 2–4 a.m. and start to decline by late morning.
Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair thinning, cold intolerance, and swelling in the neck or face.
Eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and addressing iodine deficiencies may help lower TSH levels. Always consult a doctor for proper guidance.
Yes, chronic stress can impact thyroid function and may lead to fluctuations in TSH levels.
A good TSH level is usually between 0.4 and 5.5 uIU/ml, though this can vary based on age, health, and pregnancy.
Fasting is not usually required for a TSH test, but follow your doctor’s instructions for the best results.
The normal TSH range is 0.4 to 5.5 uIU/ml, though the specific range may differ slightly depending on the lab.
₹151 ₹200
TSH Test
Dr Bhumika Rana
Dr Bhumika Rana is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Earlier She was an Operation Specialist at AIIMS Delhi & a Medical officer with the National health mission.