How to perform test

TSH| Alltest

Video tutorial for TSH by Alltest

Supplies overview

1x TSH Test Cassette
1x Fixed-Volume Capillary Pipette
1x Capillary
1x Sterile Lancet
1x Alcohol Swab
1x Buffer Solution Tube
1x Igloo Reader
1x Alltest Adapter

Text instructions

STEP 1: Prepare and Disinfect the Sampling Area

Lay out all kit components. Disinfect the fingertip with the alcohol swab and let it dry.

Warm up your finger before sampling. To improve blood flow and make collection easier, gently warm your hand for a few minutes. You can use a warm cloth, soak in warm water, or rub your hands together.

STEP 2: Perform a Fingerstick

Use the sterile lancet to puncture the side of the fingertip. Gently massage the finger to form a blood drop.

STEP 3: Remove the first droplet of blood

Wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean tissue or sterile gauze before collecting the sample. This ensures accuracy and prevents contamination.

STEP 4: Collect exactly 20 µL of blood

The blood will fill the pipette automatically by capillary action.

Important: Ensure the blood sample is collected properly.

Important

Make sure you have collected exactly 20 µL of blood.

STEP 5: Transfer Blood into Buffer

Pierce the foil with the pipette containing capillary blood to then mix the contents.

STEP 6: Insert the test cassette

Insert the test cassette into the adapter.

STEP 7: Collect the mixed blood sample

Using the second pipette, collect the blood mixed with buffer up to the marked line.

Important

Ensure the mixture reaches the fill line on the pipette.

STEP 8: Add the sample to the cassette

Dispense the entire contents into the test cassette.

STEP 9: Power on the Igloo Reader

Turn on the device using the power button located underneath.

STEP 10: Start Measurement with device

Once the device is on, press “New Measurement” and enter the required data to begin the test.

Insert the test cassette halfway into the Igloo Reader to allow the QR code to be scanned.

STEP 11: QR code scanned

Once the QR code has been successfully scanned, insert the cassette fully into the reader — the measurement will start automatically.

Wait 15 minutes

Scan QR for quick results on your phone in PDF form

Or print the result with a mini printer

Results evaluation

Rapid TSH tests may differ slightly from laboratory results - this is normal and does not indicate a faulty device. Use the following ranges to explain results clearly to customers and guide appropriate next steps. Normal reference ranges vary by lab, age, and physiological conditions like pregnancy, so always consider the reference printed on the test report when possible.

Result: Error / No control line

What it means: Test did not run correctly.

How to explain/action: Repeat the test. If the issue persists, check sample and instructions.

Result: 0

What it means: Test did not run correctly.

How to explain/action: Repeat the test. If the issue persists, check sample and instructions.

Result: < 0.4 mIU/L

What it means: Low TSH - may indicate an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

How to explain/action: Explain to a customer that low TSH suggests the thyroid may be producing too much hormone; recommend discussing results with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and additional tests (e.g., free T4).

Result: > 4.0 mIU/L

What it means: High TSH - may indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

How to explain/action: Inform the customer that high TSH suggests the thyroid may not be producing enough hormone; advise consulting a healthcare provider for confirmation and further evaluation.

Result: 0.4 – 4.0 mIU/L

What it means: Normal thyroid-stimulating hormone level - likely normal thyroid function.

How to explain/action: Reassure customer that TSH is within the common reference range; routine monitoring is usually sufficient unless there are symptoms or specific clinical concerns to be addressed with a healthcare provider.

Keep in mind when interpreting TSH:

TSH levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day. Low results may sometimes be due to the time the sample was taken - testing earlier or later in the day can produce different values.
TSH can also be influenced by age, pregnancy, medications, illness, and stress.
Reference ranges can vary between laboratories and testing methods - slight differences do not necessarily indicate a problem.
A single TSH measurement is a screening tool; definitive diagnosis often requires follow-up testing and clinical evaluation.

Read more about TSH and about results evaluation.

Disposal instructions

Dispose of used cassettes, pipettes, and lancets as biohazardous waste.
Do not reuse any test components.
Reader and adapter are reusable; clean according to the official maintenance guide.

Literature

NIH National Library of Medicine - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Iodine: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
Martin I. Surks, TSH Reference Limits: New Concepts and Implications for Diagnosis of Subclinical Hypothyroidism, Endocrine Practice, 19, 6, 2013, 1066-1069, ISSN 1530-891X.

Disclaimer

This information is educational and does not qualify for a medical advice. Always use local reference ranges and consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.