An Analysis of Current Thyroid Function Test Requests

Background: Unnecessary and excessive Thyroid function testing can lead to added economic burdens in an era of rising healthcare costs, whilst only minimally having any significant clinical benefit. I set out to analyse the current practice at the health centre with comparisons against international guidelines, with a view to reducing patient exposure to unnecessary test and to increase thyroid testing cost efectiveness. Methods: A record of all Thyroid Function Test (TFT) requests was extracted from electronic medical records, over the period of November 2019 and a random sample of 100 patients was further analysed to assess indications for testing. Results: A thorough and detailed analysis showed that for 20/100 of patients a valid justification was found in terms of patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of thyroid disease (Diagnosis). A further 7/100 sample had a known thyroid disease and were being appropriately tested (Monitoring).16/100 patients were correctly tested for associated conditions (Screening). Overall, there was a valid justification for 43 % of the 100 Random Sample analysed. Conclusion: In summary I found thatinappropriate requesting of thyroid function tests is common. In an era of rising healthcare costs, inappropriate thyroid function testing is an ideal target for efforts to reduce laboratory over utilization.