How to perform test

TSH | Lansionbio

Video tutorial for TSH by Lansionbio

Supplies overview

1x TSH Test Cassette
1x Capillary Pipette
1x Transfer Pipette
1x Sterile Lancet
1x Alcohol Swab
1x Sterile Swab
1x Buffer Solution Tube
1x Igloo Reader
1x Lansionbio 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 hands make blood sampling easier! Allow the test subject to warm their hands beforehand with a warm cloth, warm water, or by gently rubbing their 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 30 µL of blood

Use the pipette with the black mark and hold the top part while collecting the blood.

Important: Ensure the blood sample is collected properly.

Important

Handle the pipette gently. Use only the top part when drawing up or releasing liquid. Avoid squeezing too hard to ensure accurate volume and prevent air bubbles. The blood should be collected up to the black line on the pipette.

STEP 5: Transfer Blood into Buffer

Gently press only the top of the pipette to release the entire blood sample into the buffer tube for proper mixing.

STEP 6: Mix the blood with the buffer

Shake 5–10 times to ensure proper mixing.

STEP 7: Collect the mixed blood and buffer solution

Using a new pipette with two air bubbles, collect the blood mixed with buffer. Press only the top part of the pipette gently. Fill up to the marked line.

STEP 8: Prepare the test cassette

Transfer the full volume from the pipette into the test cassette.

STEP 9: Start using the device

Turn on the device using the power button located underneath.

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

STEP 10: Insert the test cassette halfway into the reader

Insert the test cassette halfway into the reader to enable QR code scanning. Wait until the reader completes the scan and the green indicator light turns on.

STEP 11: Insert the test cassette fully

Once the indicator light turns green, insert the test cassette completely to start the measurement.

STEP 12: Wait 15 minutes

Your result is ready

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: 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.

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.

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.