Thyroid, T4, FT4, T3 Uptake, TSH, FT3, T3 Total

The Thyroid, T4, FT4, T3 Uptake, TSH, FT3, T3 Total panel contains 6 tests with 8 biomarkers.

Brief Description: 

The Thyroid, T4, FT4, T3 Uptake, TSH, FT3, T3 Total Panel is an extensive set of blood tests that evaluates thyroid function from various angles. This panel includes measurements of total and free forms of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and T3 uptake, providing a comprehensive overview of thyroid health. These tests are essential for diagnosing thyroid disorders, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions.

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, T4, FT4, T3 Uptake, TSH, FT3, T3 Total Panel May Be Ordered

This panel may be ordered when a patient shows symptoms indicative of thyroid dysfunction, such as weight changes, altered energy levels, mood disturbances, or changes in heart rate. It's also used for monitoring thyroid function in patients with known thyroid disorders or assessing the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The comprehensive nature of this panel allows for a nuanced understanding of thyroid function, essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

What the Thyroid, T4, FT4, T3 Uptake, TSH, FT3, T3 Total Panel Checks For

T3 Total

Measures the total amount of triiodothyronine, including both the bound and free T3 in the bloodstream. T3 is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that plays a vital role in regulating metabolism.

T3 Uptake

Reflects the amount of binding proteins available for thyroid hormones in the blood and is used to estimate the levels of these proteins. This test helps to understand how thyroid hormones are transported and their availability to body tissues.

T3 Free (FT3)

Measures the unbound, active form of T3. This test is crucial for evaluating the actual active thyroid hormone available for use by the body's cells.

T4 Total

Measures the total amount of thyroxine, including both bound and free T4 in the bloodstream. T4 is another primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland, crucial for metabolism and growth.

T4 Free (FT4)

Measures the unbound, active form of T4, providing information about the hormone directly available for cellular functions.

TSH

Measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, a pituitary hormone that regulates the production of thyroid hormones. TSH levels are a primary indicator of thyroid gland function.

Conditions or Diseases Detected by the Thyroid, T4, FT4, T3 Uptake, TSH, FT3, T3 Total Panel

Hypothyroidism

Characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, leading to low levels of thyroid hormones. High TSH levels in conjunction with low FT4 and FT3 levels typically indicate this condition.

Hyperthyroidism

Results from an overactive thyroid gland producing excessive thyroid hormones. Low TSH levels combined with high FT4 and/or FT3 levels usually suggest hyperthyroidism.

Thyroiditis

Inflammation of the thyroid gland can lead to temporary hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism. The panel can help track the progression of thyroid hormone levels through these phases.

Goiter and Thyroid Nodules

Conditions that can affect thyroid hormone production. The panel helps evaluate thyroid function in the presence of these physical changes to the gland.

Using the Results in Treatment and Monitoring

Hypothyroidism

For hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is often prescribed. Monitoring TSH and FT4 levels helps tailor treatment to achieve and maintain target hormone levels.

Hyperthyroidism

Treatment options include medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery. TSH and FT4/FT3 levels guide the treatment's effectiveness and adjustments.

Thyroiditis

Treatment may vary depending on the phase of the condition. The panel's comprehensive nature allows for close monitoring of thyroid function as it may fluctuate from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism.

Goiter and Thyroid Nodules

While not all goiters or nodules significantly affect thyroid hormone levels, the panel can identify cases where thyroid function is impaired and guide appropriate treatment.

The Thyroid, T4, FT4, T3 Uptake, TSH, FT3, T3 Total Panel provides a thorough evaluation of thyroid function, offering critical insights for diagnosing thyroid disorders, guiding treatment,

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

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: Triiodothyronine

T3, Total

Triiodothyronine (T3) is a thyroid hormone. It plays an important role in the body's control of metabolism.

T3 Uptake

T3 uptake is also known as T3 Resin Uptake (T3RU) or Thyroid Uptake. It estimates how much thyroid hormone-binding proteins are available in the blood through a calculation based on levels of T3 or T4 added to a person's blood specimen.

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: T4 Thyroxine Total

Free T4 Index (T7)

FTI stands for the Free Thyroxine Index and is also sometimes referred to as T7. It is a calculated value determined from the T3 uptake test and total T4 test and provides an estimate of the level of free T4 in the blood.

T4 (Thyroxine), Total

This test measures the amount of thyroxine, or T4, in the blood. T4 is one of two major hormones produced by the thyroid gland. The total T4 test is used to help diagnose hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. It is a useful test but can be affected by the amount of protein available in the blood to bind to the hormone.

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

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