Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care (Jan 2020)

Considerations in evaluating the thyroid gland in a primary care setting

  • Jose Humphreys

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1369_20
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 12
pp. 5833 – 5836

Abstract

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The evaluation of the thyroid can be a very involved process. A misinterpretation of the results of a thyroid function test can lead to serious complexities in a patient's management and outcome. The nuances in diagnostic approaches necessitates that standardized protocols for assessing thyroid function are established. A number of factors may impact how the thyroid functions and these factors must be considered when interpreting the results of a thyroid function test. Unfortunately, many clinicians only observe a cursory analysis of thyroid function. Primary care physicians, in particular, must be aware of these practice deficiencies and hopefully increase the detection of thyroid anomalies with greater accuracy at this first level of clinical contact.

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