TH-1. Graves Disease

The TH-1. Graves Disease panel contains 3 tests with 4 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The TH-1 Graves' Disease panel is a targeted diagnostic tool used in the evaluation and management of Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. This panel includes three fundamental tests: T3 Free, T4 Free, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), each providing critical insights into thyroid gland function and its regulatory mechanisms.

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 TH-1 Graves' Disease Panel May Be Ordered

This panel is typically ordered for patients exhibiting symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as unintentional weight loss, rapid heartbeat, increased appetite, anxiety, tremors, and heat sensitivity, which are suggestive of Graves' disease. It is also utilized in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for patients diagnosed with Graves' disease.

What the TH-1 Graves' Disease Panel Checks For

• T3 Free (Free Triiodothyronine): This test measures the unbound T3 hormone in the bloodstream, which is a potent indicator of metabolic activity. Elevated free T3 levels can signify an overactive thyroid, commonly seen in Graves' disease.

• T4 Free (Free Thyroxine): Free T4 assesses the level of unbound T4 in the blood, providing insight into the thyroid's hormone production capabilities. High levels of free T4 are indicative of hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease.

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): TSH is a pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid hormone production. In Graves' disease, TSH levels are typically suppressed due to the negative feedback from elevated thyroid hormone levels.

Getting a Deeper Understanding of Your Thyroid Health

While the TH-1 Graves' Disease panel provides essential initial insights into thyroid function, the TH-2, TH-3, and TH-4 panels offer a more comprehensive evaluation, addressing broader health implications and specific autoimmune aspects of Graves' disease.

• TH-2 Graves' Disease Panel: This panel expands upon the TH-1 by including tests that evaluate overall health, such as a Complete Blood Count, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, and vitamin levels, which can help identify conditions that may coexist with or result from Graves' disease, like anemia or metabolic imbalances.

• TH-3 Graves' Disease Panel: Building on the TH-2, the TH-3 panel adds thyroid antibody tests, crucial for confirming the autoimmune nature of Graves' disease. The inclusion of vitamins B12 and B6 also aids in assessing the broader metabolic and neurological impact of the disease.

• TH-4 Graves' Disease Panel: The most extensive, TH-4 includes all tests in TH-3 and introduces TSH Receptor Binding Antibody and Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin tests, specific markers for Graves' disease that can help in diagnosing and monitoring the autoimmune response.

Conditions or Diseases the TH-1 Graves' Disease Panel Can Check For

The TH-1 Graves' Disease panel is specifically designed to assess for hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves' disease. Elevated free T3 and T4 levels with a suppressed TSH are hallmark signs of hyperthyroidism. This panel helps differentiate Graves' disease from other forms of thyroiditis and hyperthyroid conditions.

Use of TH-1 Graves' Disease Panel Results by Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals use the results from the TH-1 Graves' Disease panel to diagnose Graves' disease, determine the severity of hyperthyroidism, and guide treatment decisions. These results are also critical in monitoring the effectiveness of anti-thyroid medications or other treatments, adjusting dosages as needed to achieve optimal thyroid hormone levels.

The TH-1 Graves' Disease panel is an essential diagnostic tool for identifying and managing Graves' disease, offering valuable insights into thyroid function and its regulation by the pituitary gland. Through the measurement of key thyroid hormones, healthcare providers can diagnose Graves' disease, tailor treatments to individual patient needs, and monitor the response to therapeutic interventions. This panel serves as the foundation for understanding and addressing the complexities of Graves' disease, with expanded panels available for a more comprehensive assessment of the condition and its systemic effects.

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