Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH and FT4)

The Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH and FT4) panel contains 2 tests with 3 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH and FT4) is a fundamental screening tool for assessing thyroid function. It includes two essential tests: T4 Free (FT4) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which together provide a basic evaluation of thyroid health.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: Specifc to TSH: Specimen collection after fluorescein dye angiography should be delayed for at least 3 days. For patients on hemodialysis, specimen collection should be delayed for 2 weeks.

According to the assay manufacturer Siemens: "Samples containing fluorescein can produce falsely depressed values when tested with the Advia Centaur TSH3 Ultra assay."

When and Why the Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH and FT4) May Be Ordered

This package is typically ordered when symptoms suggest a thyroid disorder, such as fatigue, weight changes, temperature sensitivity, or mood alterations. It's also used for routine thyroid health screening and monitoring thyroid function in patients with known thyroid disorders.

What the Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH and FT4) Checks For

• T4 Free (FT4): Measures the unbound portion of the total T4 hormone, providing insights into the hormone available for use by the body's tissues. It's crucial for evaluating the thyroid's functional state.

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Produced by the pituitary gland, TSH regulates thyroid hormone production. This test is a primary tool for assessing thyroid function, with abnormal levels indicating potential hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Gettign a Deeper Understanding of Your Thyroid Health

For a more detailed thyroid function assessment, consider upgrading to:

• Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH, FT4, and FT3): Adds T3 Free (FT3) to the basic panel, offering a broader view of thyroid hormone balance and metabolism.

• Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH, FT4, T4, FT3, and T3): Includes both total and free forms of T3 and T4, providing comprehensive insights into thyroid hormone production and availability.

• Thyroid Health Test Package: The most inclusive package, adding T3 Reverse, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies, and Thyroglobulin Antibodies, offering a thorough evaluation of thyroid function and potential autoimmune thyroid issues.

The Thyroid Health Test Package (Add-on 5 Tests)

The Thyroid Health Test Package (Add-on 5 Tests) is ideal for individuals needing an in-depth analysis of thyroid health, particularly if autoimmune thyroid disease is suspected, or if initial tests indicate potential thyroid dysfunction.

Conditions or Diseases Checked by the Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH and FT4)

This package can help diagnose and manage conditions such as:

• Hypothyroidism: Indicated by high TSH and low FT4 levels.
• Hyperthyroidism: Characterized by low TSH and high FT4 levels.
• Thyroid nodules or goiter: May affect hormone production, detected by abnormal TSH and FT4 levels.

Use of Results by Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals analyze TSH and FT4 results to diagnose thyroid disorders, guide treatment decisions, and monitor the effectiveness of therapies in managing thyroid conditions.

The Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH and FT4) serves as a critical tool for initial thyroid function evaluation, helping to identify common thyroid disorders. For those requiring a more comprehensive analysis, the expanded test packages offer deeper insights into thyroid health, hormone balance, and potential autoimmune involvement, ensuring tailored and effective management of thyroid-related conditions.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.