Purpose
How
Prepare
Results
Cost
The TSH Test measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. It helps evaluate how well your thyroid gland is functioning. This test is key in diagnosing and monitoring conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid inflammation. It is also important during pregnancy to support healthy fetal development. The TSH test price typically ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 500, depending on the lab and city.
The TSH test evaluates the level of thyroid-stimulating hormones produced by the pituitary gland. These hormones regulate the thyroid gland, which affects key bodily functions, including metabolism, mood, and energy levels.
| Also Known As | TSH Test, TSH ultrasensitive, TSH |
| Purpose | Pregnancy, Tumors, Weight loss or gain, mood swing & general checkup |
| Preparation | As per the doctor recommendation |
| Fasting | Required in few cases, consult a doctor before the test |
| Reporting Time | 8 to 24 Hrs. |
| Price | Rs. 200 to Rs. 400 |
TSH is an affordable test and its price usually ranges from Rs 200 to Rs 500. However, prices do tend to vary depending on lab and city. Thus, we have provided the prices in some of the popular labs and metro cities. However, you can visit bookmerilab.com to check prices at nearby diagnostic centres in your city.
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Redcliffe Labs | Rs 299 |
| Dr Lal Path labs | Rs 380 ( City-based ) |
| Metropolis Healthcare | Rs 350 ( City-based ) |
| SRL Diagnostics | Rs 250 |
The calcium test cost depends upon the one recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost varies depending upon the lab and the city.
A thyroid test or TSH test is done to measure the level of thyroid hormones and diagnose thyroid diseases. TSH level in our body helps in the diagnosis of the following:
It is essential for the development of the brain and nervous system of a baby during pregnancy. The baby uses the thyroid from the mother as the gland is underdeveloped in a baby in the womb.
Thyroid level increases during pregnancy. The pregnancy hormones, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen increase the thyroid hormone in the blood. The TSH level might increase by 10-15% by the third trimester.
Reference Range during pregnancy
| Trimester | Unit | Reference range |
|---|---|---|
| 1st trimester | uIU/ml | 0.1-2.5 |
| 2nd trimester | uIU/ml | 0.2-3.0 |
| 3rd trimester | uIU/ml | 0.3-3.0 |
As a result, the reference range is lower for pregnant women. The abnormal level of TSH hormones than the reference range can cause problems such as-
There are 2 types of TSH testing.
TSH ultrasensitive test is a blood test that measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH) in the blood. The test is commonly used to find the root cause of fluctuation in the TSH levels.
TSH ultrasensitive test is important for the following reasons-
With the TSH ultrasensitive test hyperthyroidism can be treated at an early stage.
Third generation thyroid-stimulating hormone test is the most sensitive screening test for hypothyroidism. The test shows a low level of thyroid hormones in the blood as a result of any deformity of the thyroid gland.
If the result is beyond the normal range there is a need to measure T4 (thyroxine) or FTI (free thyroxine index).
Pregnancy also influences the thyroid result. It is better to inform the healthcare provider about the pregnancy.
In general, a TSH test does not require any prior preparation. However, the following should be kept in mind:
TSH test requires a blood sample for testing. Thus the procedure entails the drawing of blood from the body. Common procedure is
Thyroid testing usually includes the test for TSH, T3 and T4. Further, FT3 & FT4 may be required for better diagnosis.
TSH test results are used by doctors to diagnose thyroid disorders. The test result may be either of the following three.
The normal range of the TSH depends upon age, gender and body weight. However, the normal range is as shown below
| Test Name | Method | Unit | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSH, Serum | CLIA | uIU/ml | 0.4-5.5 |
A high level of thyroid hormones in the blood indicates an underactive thyroid gland. It is a condition when the thyroid gland produces a low level of hormones in the blood.
Symptoms include-
Low TSH or low level of thyroid-stimulating hormone indicates overactive thyroid glands. In such situations the thyroid gland secrets high levels of hormones in the blood.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include-
You shall take a view of the sample report given below.

TSH test or thyroid-stimulating hormone test does not reveal the reason for abnormal thyroid function. As a result, the healthcare provider may ask for further diagnostic tests that may include-
Your doctor uses the TSH test to diagnose thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. A high and low level of thyroid can disturb your routine life. Fluctuation of the hormones during pregnancy causes various pregnancy-related complications.
After getting the test done your doctor will interpret the result and provide you with more information.
A TSH test typically costs between Rs 200 and Rs 500 in India, depending on the lab and location.
A normal TSH level ranges between 0.4 and 5.5 uIU/ml, though this may vary slightly by age and health conditions.
High TSH levels in females may indicate hypothyroidism, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and irregular periods. Consult a doctor for further evaluation.
Anyone experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or irregular heartbeat, or those with a family history of thyroid issues, may need a TSH test.
A TSH level significantly outside the normal range (e.g., above 10 uIU/ml) may require immediate medical attention to manage potential health risks.
Yes, high TSH levels, linked to hypothyroidism, can slow metabolism and cause weight gain in many individuals.
The best time for a TSH test is in the morning, as TSH levels are usually highest between 2–4 a.m. and start to decline by late morning.
Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair thinning, cold intolerance, and swelling in the neck or face.
Eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and addressing iodine deficiencies may help lower TSH levels. Always consult a doctor for proper guidance.
Yes, chronic stress can impact thyroid function and may lead to fluctuations in TSH levels.
A good TSH level is usually between 0.4 and 5.5 uIU/ml, though this can vary based on age, health, and pregnancy.
Fasting is not usually required for a TSH test, but follow your doctor’s instructions for the best results.
The normal TSH range is 0.4 to 5.5 uIU/ml, though the specific range may differ slightly depending on the lab.
TSH Test
Dr Bhumika Rana is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Earlier She was an Operation Specialist at AIIMS Delhi & a Medical officer with the National health mission.