Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH, FT4, and FT3)

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Free T3, FT3, T3 Free

T3, Free

This test measures the amount of triiodothyronine, or T3, in the blood.

Also known as: Free T4, FT4, T4 Free

T4, Free

The free T4 test is not affected by protein levels. Since free T4 is the active form of thyroxine, the free T4 test is may be a more accurate reflection of thyroid hormone function.

Also known as: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyrotropin

TSH

A TSH test is a lab test that measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It tells the thyroid gland to make and release thyroid hormones into the blood.

TSH

*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through Quest Diagnostics. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 Quest Diagnostics laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH, FT4, and FT3) panel contains 3 tests with 4 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH, FT4, and FT3) offers a comprehensive evaluation of thyroid function by measuring three crucial thyroid-related hormones: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free T4 (FT4), and Free T3 (FT3). This panel provides a more detailed view of thyroid health, going beyond the basic TSH and FT4 measurements.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: TSH: The 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, FT4, and FT3) May Be Ordered

This package is often ordered when symptoms suggest a possible thyroid imbalance, such as unexplained weight changes, mood fluctuations, changes in energy levels, or when managing known thyroid conditions to monitor treatment efficacy.

What the Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH, FT4, and FT3) Checks For

  • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): Acts as a regulator for thyroid hormone production, with abnormal levels indicating potential thyroid dysfunction.

  • FT4 (Free T4): Measures the unbound portion of thyroxine, the primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland, providing insight into thyroid activity.

  • FT3 (Free T3): Assesses the level of triiodothyronine available to body tissues, crucial for understanding metabolic activity and the conversion of T4 to T3.

Getting a Deeper Understanding of Your Thyroid Health

For a deeper analysis:

  • Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH, FT4, T4, FT3, and T3): Adds T3 Total and T4 Total to the existing tests, offering a complete overview of thyroid hormone production and availability.

  • Thyroid Health Test Package: The most inclusive option, further including T3 Reverse, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies, and Thyroglobulin Antibodies, providing extensive insights into thyroid function and potential autoimmune thyroid disorders.

Conditions or Diseases Checked by the Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH, FT4, and FT3)

This panel is instrumental in diagnosing and managing:

  • Hypothyroidism: Low levels of FT3 and FT4 along with elevated TSH suggest an underactive thyroid.
  • Hyperthyroidism: Elevated levels of FT3 and FT4 with suppressed TSH indicate an overactive thyroid.
  • Subclinical Thyroid Disorders: Discrepancies in TSH levels with normal FT3 and FT4 can indicate early-stage or mild forms of thyroid disease.

Use of Results by Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare providers use the results to diagnose thyroid disorders, adjust treatment plans, and monitor the effectiveness of interventions in thyroid conditions, ensuring personalized patient care.

The Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH, FT4, and FT3) offers a valuable tool for evaluating thyroid function, providing essential information for diagnosing thyroid conditions and guiding treatment decisions. With the option to upgrade to more comprehensive panels, individuals can receive tailored assessments based on their specific health needs and concerns, ensuring a thorough understanding of their thyroid health.

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

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