Standardization of Thyroid Function Tests (C-STFT)

Membership

In the previous terms, the committee developed the basis needed to implement standardization of thyroid function tests. Specifically, the committee:

• developed reference measurement systems (reference materials/reference methods) to establish traceability of free thyroid hormone and TSH assays,
• provided an infrastructure for procurement of serum panels,
• demonstrated that the traceable assays can use a common reference interval,
• informed the clinical and research community about the importance of standardized tests.

Building on these accomplishments, the current committee set the following terms of reference:

Terms of Reference:

• Establish a system to maintain traceability of free thyroid hormone and TSH measurements.
• Coordinate programs to evaluate free thyroid and TSH assays with regards to their analytical performance.
• Develop reference intervals for free thyroid hormones and TSH.
• Liaise with key stakeholders to promote the use of the standardized assays in routine clinical practice and public health, to ensure analytical performance requirements meet clinical needs, and to help with developing and establishing reference intervals. 

Current Projects:

• Establishment of a reference laboratory network
• Develop and establish follow-up panel for TSH
• Collaborate with relevant organizations to ensure that free thyroid hormones and TSH are standardized consistently
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define reference populations and plan study to establish reference intervals
• Provide information and training to stakeholders about the importance of standardized thyroid function assays, and support organizations working on promoting high quality of thyroid function tests

Resources

Resources made available by the C-STFT are available here

Read more at: http://www.ifcc-cstft.org 

List of Corresponding Members, nominated by National Societies