[Automation of T4 and TSH radioimmunoassay in the neonatal screening for hypothyroidism in south-west France (author's transl)].

In the South-West France the neonatal screening service for hypothyroidism using both T4 and TSH undertakes 50 000 assays annually. To obtain maximum reliability and speed the calculations and statistical analysis have been automated. Counting is done by gamma counter linked through magnetic tapes to programmable computer. This provides immediate print-out of hormone levels and for each group of the results the mean and standard deviation of the T4 levels and histogram of the TSH values. The counter also produces a punched paper tape so that the results can be analysed in the detail on a computer (range of values and correlation between T4 and TSH value). The results of the statistical analysis of the T4 and TSH levels are reported.