Which serum component can be used as a screening test for hypothyroidism?

Which serum component can be used as a screening test for hypothyroidism?

• A. ALT
• B. Cholesterol
• C. Total protein
• D. Creatinine kinase

Answer: (B)

Elevated serum cholesterol is a common finding in hypothyroidism because reduced thyroid hormone slows metabolism and impairs lipid clearance, leading to hyperlipidemia. This makes cholesterol a practical initial screening marker for hypothyroidism when clinical signs point toward a thyroid deficiency. It isn’t diagnostic on its own, but a high cholesterol level should prompt further thyroid testing (such as total T4 or TSH) for confirmation. Other options reflect different processes: ALT indicates liver cell injury, CK rises with muscle damage, and total protein is nonspecific and influenced by hydration or inflammation, so they aren’t reliable screening tests for hypothyroidism.

Elevated serum cholesterol is a common finding in hypothyroidism because reduced thyroid hormone slows metabolism and impairs lipid clearance, leading to hyperlipidemia. This makes cholesterol a practical initial screening marker for hypothyroidism when clinical signs point toward a thyroid deficiency. It isn’t diagnostic on its own, but a high cholesterol level should prompt further thyroid testing (such as total T4 or TSH) for confirmation. Other options reflect different processes: ALT indicates liver cell injury, CK rises with muscle damage, and total protein is nonspecific and influenced by hydration or inflammation, so they aren’t reliable screening tests for hypothyroidism.