Screening for Thyroid Dysfunction Using Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Testing

Key Message

What Is the Question?

• We wanted to know whether there were any studies published since 2018 about the comparative benefits and harms of screening for thyroid dysfunction using thyroid stimulating hormone testing in asymptomatic, non-pregnant adults. 
• We also wanted to know whether there were any evidence-based guidelines or recommendations published since 2018 about screening for thyroid dysfunction using thyroid stimulating hormone testing in asymptomatic, non-pregnant adults.

What Did We Do?

• We compiled a reference list of clinical utility literature comparing screening for thyroid dysfunction using thyroid stimulating hormone testing with no screening. We also looked for evidence-based guidelines that provide recommendations about screening for thyroid dysfunction using thyroid stimulating hormone testing in asymptomatic, non-pregnant adults.
• A research information specialist conducted a search of peer-reviewed and grey literature sources published between January 1, 2018, and November 27, 2023. The main search concepts were thyroid function screening, asymptomatic, and universal thyroid screening. One reviewer screened titles and abstracts for inclusion based on predefined criteria. Full texts of study publications were not reviewed. Open access full-text versions of evidence-based guidelines were reviewed when available.

What Did We Find?

• We found 1 systematic review published in 2019 about the clinical utility of screening for thyroid dysfunction using thyroid stimulating hormone testing in asymptomatic, non-pregnant adults.
• We found 1 evidence-based guideline published in 2019 about screening for thyroid dysfunction using thyroid stimulating hormone testing in asymptomatic, non-pregnant adults.

What Does It Mean?

• The findings of this reference list suggest that there are limited recommendations and comparative evidence published after 2019 about screening for thyroid dysfunction using thyroid stimulating hormone testing in asymptomatic, non-pregnant adults.