Thyroid Function Tests (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

Alpha Code STSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Numeric Code 3027
Alpha Code FT4 - Free T4, Numeric code: 3024

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

If thyroid function tests requested: TSH (STSH/3027) and free T4 (FT4/3024) will be performed
Free T3 must be specifically requested.

Sample Stability

See individual tests

Synonyms

TFT

Turnaround Time

3 hours

Specimen Type

  • Plasma
  • Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
  • Plain (Red Top)
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

3.5

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
  • Plain (Red Top)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Additional Specimen Information

0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer PST Blood (Preferred)
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer Heparin Blood
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer Plain Blood

Last updated: 25/09/2026