Here will focus on laboratory tests and imaging tests of the thyroid gland (these may be the tests you may have to do once you arrive at the clinic or ward). Testing for thyroid hormones: 1. Total serum triiodothyronine (TT3): Triiodothyronine, referred to as T3, is produced by thyroid follicular epithelial cells. The detection of total T3 in blood (TT3) is the most sensitive indicator for the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. 2. Total serum thyroxine (TT4): Thyroxine, referred to as T4, is produced entirely by the thyroid gland. The measurement of total T4 in blood (TT4) is a common indicator to determine hyperthyroidism (commonly known as “hyperthyroidism”) or hypothyroidism (commonly known as “hypothyroidism”), and it is also valuable for assessing the severity of the disease and monitoring the efficacy of treatment. Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) and serum free thyroxine (FT4): Although FT3 accounts for only 0.35% of T3 and FT4 accounts for only 0.25% of T4, they are closely related to the biological effects of thyroid hormones, so they are the preferred indicators for diagnosing clinical hyperthyroidism. 4. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): The main role is to control the thyroid gland, which can promote the manufacture of thyroid hormone and also promote the release of already manufactured thyroid hormone into the blood, and also plays an important role in the growth and metabolism of the thyroid gland itself. Changes in serum TSH concentration are the most sensitive indicator of thyroid function. Examination of thyroid antibody levels: 1. Thyroglobulin antibodies (TGA) and thyroid microsomal antibodies (TMA): TGA and TMA in the serum are the two main specific thyroid autoantibodies. TGA and TMA are elevated in autoimmune thyroid disease and can also be detected in the blood of other thyroid diseases and healthy people. TGA is a specific diagnostic indicator for chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and is often significantly elevated. 2. Thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb): TRAb is also known as thyroid-stimulating antibody (TSAb) or thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). TRAb is an autoantibody of the thyroid gland, which is produced during the autoimmune process of malignant diffuse goiter and can stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone. The measurement of TRAb is beneficial to the study of the pathogenesis of diffuse malignant goiter. Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland: Ultrasound can clearly identify thyroid masses as cystic or substantial, and color ultrasound can also observe the blood flow of the masses, which provides reference for the diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors. 4.Iodine absorption rate of thyroid gland 13l: regardless of benign or malignant tumor, the iodine absorption rate of thyroid gland 131 is mostly normal, while the functionally autonomous thyroid adenoma can be high. 5.Thyroid nuclear scan: Thyroid adenoma and a few thyroid carcinomas may appear as hot nodules or warm nodules, while thyroid cysts, cystic changes of thyroid adenoma or internal bleeding may appear as cool nodules or cold nodules, generally with clear outline and regular borders. 6.Neck X-ray examination: When the thyroid tumor is huge, it can be seen that the trachea is compressed or displaced, and calcified images can be seen in some of the tumors. Thyroid lymphography shows round filling defect in the reticular structure with regular border and complete surrounding lymph nodes.