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Biosafe Thyroid TSH Home Test Kit

The BIOSAFE TSH test is a laboratory analysis that measures a chemical substance in the blood called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).  The test provides you with an accurate, convenient, and inexpensive way to discover you own TSH level. The amount of TSH present is directly related to both hyperthyroidism (overactive Thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive Thyroid). The specimen collection process is quick, easy and virtually painless. Using the special lancet included in the BIOSAFE Blood Collection Kit, a couple of drops of blood are taken from a nick of a finger and deposited into a special collection device called a BTS (Blood Transport System). The BTS is then sent to BIOSAFE Laboratories for analysis. BIOSAFE tests your blood sample to see how much TSH is present and then mails the results back to you in an easy-to-read, understandable report. Click here to view a Thyroid TSH Sample Lab Report.

Since the BIOSAFE Thyroid TSH test produces a numerical result rather than a simple "yes" or "no" answer, both testing approval and professional review of test results are required by a licensed physician. After your test analysis is completed by BIOSAFE Laboratories, the results will be reviewed by a licensed health professional before being sent back to you.

Testing Procedure

	Check the Kit Contents Laboratory Authorization Form. Blood Transport System Device. Blood Sample Return Bag. Alcohol Prep. Adhesive Bandage. Sterile Gauze Pad. 2 Lancets. Preaddressed, Prepaid Mailing Envelope. Easy to Understand Instructions.
	Fill out the Lab Authorization Form Fill out the lab Authorization Form completely. Note the date and time of blood collection.
	Apply Barcode and Review the Blood Collection Device Remove the barcode sticker from the upper corner of the Authorization Form and place it on the side of the Blood Collection Device. #1 is the "Fill Port" where you drop the blood. #2 is the "View Window" which turns red when sufficient amount of blood is put into the "Fill Port". The blue lever is used to close and lock the device after the view window turns red.
	Clean Selected Finger for Blood Collection Wash hands with warm water and dry thoroughly. Select either the middle or ring finger to collect blood sample. To increase blood flow, rub hands together for 10 seconds and then allow your selected hand to hang at your side for 30 seconds. Open the alcohol prep package and clean the selected finger and allow the skin to dry.
	Remove the Cap from the Lancet and Press against Finger Remove the plastic cap from the Lancet. Place the chosen hand palm side up on a flat surface. Place the Lancet slightly off center of your finger. Hold Lancet steady, press down firmly until it "clicks" and then release.
	Wipe away First Blood Drop and Collect Blood Sample Observe the finger to see if blood is flowing from the nick. It may be necessary to gently massage the finger from the base up to the "nick site" to produce the first drop of blood. Wipe away the first drop of blood with the Sterile Gauze Pad. Continue to gently squeeze the finger if needed to produce the drops that are needed. Wait until each drop is large and "hanging" before attempting to touch it to the Blood Collection Device.
	Fill the Blood Collection Device The Blood Collection Device is filled when the "View Window" turns red. You must add enough drops to the Fill Port to turn the View Window red. Apply adhesive bandage over the small nick on your finger.
	Close the Blood Collection Device Close the Blood Collection Device by turning the blue lever toward the white handle until it locks. The device must be locked or it can't be tested.
	Insert the Authorization Form and Sample into Prepaid Envelope Insert closed Blood Collection Device into the bag marked Blood Sample Return Bag. Remove pink copy of the Laboratory Authorization Form for your records. Place completed form and sealed sample bag into the preaddressed prepaid mailing envelope.
	Mail Sample Promptly Place in regular mail as soon as possible, but no later than one week after sample collection. Discard used Lancet and all other kit materials in household trash.

General Information

The Thyroid Gland

Your Thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland, located at the front part of your throat just below your Adam's apple.  It produces hormones that affect and regulate virtually every bodily activity.  Thyroid hormones control metabolism and organ function, directly affecting weight loss or gain, energy levels, skin condition, memory, heart rate, cholesterol levels, menstrual regularity, memory as well as many other functions.  If your Thyroid gland is not working properly, a variety of possibly severe medical problems can result. The good news is, if discovered and properly treated, a Thyroid disorder can be controlled and the patient can lead a normal and active life.

Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid

When your Thyroid gland produces more Thyroid hormone than your body needs, a condition called hyperthyroidism occurs. This is commonly known as an overactive Thyroid. Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Heat intolerance

• Nervousness

• Insomnia

• Tremor

• Muscle weakness

• Heart palpitations

• Frequent bowel movements

• Menstrual irregularities (especially light menstrual periods)

Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid

When your Thyroid gland produces less Thyroid hormone than your body needs, a condition called hyporthyroidism occurs. This is commonly referred to as an underactive Thyroid and is the most common Thyroid disorder. Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

• Weight gain

• Depression

• Fatigue

• Cold intolerance

• Dry skin

• Hair dryness or hair loss

• Forgetfulness

• Muscle cramps

• Edema

• Constipation

• Menstrual irregularities (especially heavy menstrual periods)

Cholesterol / Thyroid Connection

After diet, the most common secondary cause of high cholesterol is hypothyroidism (underactive Thyroid). Average blood Cholesterol levels of patients with underactive Thyroid are often 30% to 50% higher than the desirable range of 200 mg/dl. When metabolism is slow, which it is in those suffering from hypothyroidism, the body has greater difficulty clearing Cholesterol from the bloodstream. This dramatically increases the risk of Cholesterol being deposited in the arteries and therefore increases the risk of heart disease.

Test Levels

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TSH?

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is a chemical substance produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the Thyroid gland to synthesize and release its own hormones into the bloodstream.  When too much Thyroid hormone is produced, a condition called hyperthyroidism will result, often referred to as an overactive Thyroid.  When not enough Thyroid hormone is produced, a condition called hypothyroidism will result, often referred to as an underactive Thyroid. Because there are so many different health problems associated with either an underactive or overactive Thyroid gland, it is essential that basic Thyroid function be tested regularly.  The easiest way to do this is by testing for TSH.

Are there Known Risk Factors for Thyroid Disease? 

While anyone can develop Thyroid disease, we know that certain things can put you at greater risk. These are called risk factors and are broken down into two categories; Personal History risk factors and Family History risk factors.

Personal History Risk Factors - deal with your own past or current medical conditions and/or drugs you might be taking.  If any of the following apply to you, you are at greater risk of developing Thyroid disease.

1)  Have you had or do you now have:

• Thyroid dysfunction

• goiter

• surgery or radiotherapy affecting the Thyroid gland

• diabetes mellitus

• vitiligo (non-pigmented skin patches)

• pernicious anemia

• prematurely gray hair

2)  Are you taking any medications or other compounds such as:

• lithium carbonate

• or iodine containing compounds such as:

  • amiodarone hydrochloride

  • radiocontrast agents

  • expectorants containing iodide and kelp

Family Risk Factors - are risk factors associated with your Family History.  If any member of your immediate family suffers from any of the following conditions, you are also at greater risk of developing Thyroid disease:

• Thyroid disease

• pernicious anemia

• diabetes mellitus

• primary adrenal insufficiency

Are there Health Changes to be Aware of?

There are certain situations and health changes that should immediately prompt you to think about TSH testing:

• When pregnant women go for their 1st prenatal visit.

• Following pregnancy if postpartum depression strikes.

• If a child's growth pattern or behavior changes.

• If mood swings and other symptoms of menopause persist despite hormone replacement therapy.

• If fatigue, depression and forgetfulness plague older persons.

Laboratory Accuracy

• BIOSAFE Thyroid TSH Home Test Kit blood sample analysis is as accurate as serum blood analysis with a tested 96% correlation.

• Samples are analyzed in a CLIA certified Laboratory. The U.S. Congress passed the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) in 1988 establishing quality standards for all laboratory testing to ensure the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of patient test results regardless of where the test was performed. The objective of the CLIA program is to ensure quality laboratory testing. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is charged with the implementation of CLIA.

• BIOSAFE Laboratories are also accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the highest national standard in the U.S..

Features

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) helps to regulate body metabolism and organ function. Proper levels of TSH are important to good health and prevention of disease.

• This test allows you to cost effectively establish a baseline TSH level and monitor your levels over time for changes that may indicate a problem.

• Lab report features TestTracker™ which compares previous test results on one test report to chart your progress. 

• Measures the amount of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone in the blood.

• Test is easy to perform yourself in the privacy of your home or office.

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved test kit for direct consumer use.

• Test kit includes a laboratory authorization form, privacy practices statement, blood collection device, blood sample return bag, easy to understand instructions, alcohol prep, gauze pad, 2 lancets, adhesive bandage and a U.S. postage paid return mail envelope.

• Test analyzed by a Certified Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Laboratory and is accredited through the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Lab test results are reviewed by a licensed health professional before being sent back to you.

• Lab Report mailed directly to your home usually within 3 business days of receiving the sample. Click here to view Thyroid TSH Sample Lab Report.

• No Additional Test Fees - test kit pricing includes all sample collection materials, U.S. postage paid return envelope for the sample, laboratory analysis and mailed lab results.

- Sales of BioSafe Product has been Halted due to Issues with the Manufacturer and Customer Result Reporting. Do Not Purchase these Kits from any Source if Available --

Thyroid Home Test

Price: $37.95

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