How to arrange a finger prick thyroid screening test in the UK

All people with Down's Syndrome should be having regular screening for thyroid disorder (see thyroid guideline and PCHR insert). This is usually done by an ordinary blood test (venepuncture).

However sometimes this is difficult because of reluctance of the person with Down's Syndrome to have a blood test.

In these circumstances a thyroid screening test can be carried out using finger prick blood which is a quick, easy and relatively painless procedure. (This is the same test that is routinely carried out by heel prick on all newborn babies).

The test measures thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). It is proving very effective in identifying cases of possible hypothyroidism (thyroid deficiency) but may miss cases of hyperthyroidism (thyroid overactivity).

The blood needs to be collected on a special form made of blotting paper which is used for the newborn screening test (Guthrie). You will need to check with the local clinical chemistry laboratory as to whether they have the necessary equipment to process it - if they do not, there is a specialist neonatal screening laboratory in each region who normally process the newborn tests. You will need to check with them that they are prepared to do a test for you on an older person with Down's Syndrome.

The relevant forms should be available from the Regional Neonatal Screening Laboratory or from local midwifery services. .

Dr Liz Marder (DSMIG)
2/10/01