Despite being the most common autoimmune disorder in the United States, knowledge surrounding thyroid disorders has not received the attention it deserves.  This is unfortunate because of the diseases associated with the thyroid are completely manageable and in some cases curable. This includes the most common thyroid disorder, Grave’s Disease (GD). Additionally, many diagnoses based solely on the symptoms of thyroid disorders are performed by inadequately trained and/or experienced non-endocrine specialties. This allows for the disease to progress undetected or be improperly treated.  Proper education regarding assay testing modalities is needed for healthcare providers in order to provide better patient care.  There is a need for increased knowledge and recognition of thyroid symptoms and behaviors, and greater clinical practitioner confidence in the ability to uncover the origin of patient symptoms via proper diagnostic techniques and methodologies.

 

This activity is designed for Clinical Laboratorians and other Healthcare Professionals interested in the management of patients with thyroid disease.  Academic content will focus on the role(s) of TSH Receptor Antibodies in Thyroid Disease, differential diagnostic modalities with attention being paid to clinical validity, as well as the diagnostic and disease management versatility of bioassays versus binding assays. Recent updates to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines will also be discussed.

 

Learning Objectives: