Chemical pathology case conference - Common endocrine tests

Abstract

The endocrine system is essentially an information system of the body. The interpretation of the endocrine tests is difficult because of the complex interaction between different hormones and organs. Analysis of hormones is technically demanding because the hormone levels are usually low, and the tests are also prone to interferences. Useful results could be obtained only if the appropriate tests are chosen, the patient is properly prepared and the analysis is correctly performed. Unawareness of clinical or technical pitfalls may lead to failure to diagnose an important endocrine disease or unnecessary treatment of a condition which does not exist. In this article, the use and the pitfall of selected endocrine tests are discussed.