Abstract
The implementation of recently published guidelines for the management of thyroid cancer in adults should result in improved clinical outcomes for patients with this condition. A clinical biochemist should be part of the support team for the local multidisciplinary thyroid cancer management team. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone assays should have a minimum detection limit of 0.10mU/L or lower and good baseline security. The measurement of both thyroglobulin and calcitonin is challenging and clinical biochemists should have detailed knowledge of the performance characteristics and limitations of the assays that they report, including those referred to a specialist centre, in order to facilitate clinically valid decisions on patient management.