This test can provide information that may be useful in distinguishing different types ofthyroidproblems.
As a result of these issues, it is used primarily as a research tool.
The test also has limited availability as a diagnostic test for thyroid disease outside the United States.
Laura Porter / Verywell
Laura Porter / Verywell
Purpose of Test
Thyroid hormone production requires many steps.
TRH prompts your brain’s pituitary gland to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
This depends on whether your blood pressure tends to fluctuate or to run too high or too low.
Timing
You should expect to devote a few hours to this test.
You will have blood tests taken 30 and 60 minutes after receiving the injection.
Location
Your test may take place in the hospital or in a healthcare provider’s office.
Cost and Health Insurance
The TRH stimulation test is not approved for standard medical use.
Given this, and that it is not commonly done, the cost is not easy to predict.
Check with your medical team to verify.
It is best to bring someone who can drive you home after the test.
Pre-Test
You will need to check in, sign consent forms, and possibly consent to payment.
You will begin your test by having a blood sample drawn for a baseline TSH.
A blood draw will usually be taken from a vein in your arm, and possibly from your hand.
Adults are given a standard amount, while the dose for children is calculated by weight.
When done, the infusion site will be covered with a bandage.
After the Test
You may feel some side effects after your test.
The response to this test is not easy to predict with certainty.
You may have delayed effects of thyroid hormone overstimulation lasting for days.
These effects can begin days after the test and may last for a few more.
The key feature of the TRH stimulation test is the change in TSH level after the TRH injection.
It is important to consider standard thyroid test values when interpreting these results.
If you are taking part in a research study, the protocol may require repeating the test.
Consider this in advance before committing to be a participant.
Pirahanchi Y, Jialal I.Physiology, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
Treasure Island, FL.
Merck Manual Professional Version.Hypothyroidism (myxedema).
2013;98(5):E862-6.
doi:10.1210/jc.2012-4196
Drugs.com.Thyrotropin releasing hormone TRH.
2011 Jul;15(Suppl 2):S99-S106.
2015 Sep;7(3):211-6. doi: 10.4274/jcrpe.1985.
2018 Dec;38(1):72-78. doi: 10.1080/01652176.2018.1521537.
Sci Rep. 2016 Aug 3;6:31032. doi: 10.1038/srep31032.
