Clinical Thyroidology for Patients December 2008
Clinical Thyroidology for Patients is a collection of summaries of recently published articles from the medical literature that covers the broad spectrum of thyroid disorders. A similar but more technical publication exists for physicians. This is written expressly for patients, although you are welcome to read the physician version which has considerably more technical information and is also available at the American Thyroid Association website at www.thyroid.org.

This issue provides brief summaries of papers published from medical centers around the world, including new studies on the treatment of thyroid cancer, subclinical hypothyroidism and subacute thyroiditis.

Throughout the summaries there are links to abstracts in the literature and to websites that provide educational material that we think may be helpful. Simply click on the URL and the information will appear.

This is a service provided by the American Thyroid Association to help patients understand the complicated and often bewildering language of modern medicine. This publication is for informational purposes and is meant to serve as a link between patients and their doctors, to help you understand difficult and sometimes baffling thyroid problems. Knowledge is a powerful means of dealing with difficult problems and we hope this journal will provide a source of strength and light that will assist patients in making day-to-day decisions about their thyroid health.

Ernest L. Mazzaferri, MD, MACP
Editor-in-Chief of Clinical Thyroidology

December 2008 Volume 1 Issue 2

American Thyroid Association (ATA) Position Statement on Direct Access Testing (DAT) for Thyroid Function

November 28, 2008
Direct Access Testing (DAT) for thyroid function is now offered by some reference laboratories. Frequently ordered patient-initiated tests include common thyroid function and antibodies tests, such as TSH, T3, T4, free T3, free T4, and TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies.

DAT is becoming an increasingly popular option for patients wishing to monitor their health status and make more decisions about their own health care. However, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) notes several concerns about the safety and utility of making thyroid testing available directly to patients.
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Make your tax deductible gift to the American Thyroid Association Now!

2008 is quickly fading away, so we'll make this fast. Please consider a donation to the American Thyroid Association by Wednesday, December 31st to qualify for a 2008 tax deduction.

Donate to the ATA by Wednesday to qualify for a 2008 tax deduction.

Why the American Thyroid Association? Because the ATA is dedicated to improving the lives of the millions of Americans of all ages living with thyroid problems. The ATA is strongly committed to serving as a resource for the public by promoting the prevention, treatment, and cure of thyroid-related diseases.

Your tax-deductible contribution helps to support valuable patient education and crucial thyroid research – two of our primary goals – with the belief that new discoveries and better understanding will translate into improved ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat thyroid disease. Could you please send just $10, $15, or $25 to help us continue making lifesaving advances in thyroid research?


Please Donate Online today, and thank you for your help!

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