Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH, FT4, T4, FT3 and T3)

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.

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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The Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH, FT4, T4, FT3 and T3) panel contains 5 tests with 7 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH, FT4, T4, FT3 and T3) is an extensive panel designed for a detailed evaluation of thyroid function. It includes a comprehensive set of tests that measure both the free and total forms of Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3), along with Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), to provide a full picture of thyroid health.

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 Package May Be Ordered

This package is particularly useful for individuals experiencing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, such as fatigue, weight changes, temperature sensitivity, or mood swings. It's also valuable for monitoring thyroid condition treatments or when more nuanced insights into thyroid function are required beyond basic screening.

What the Package Checks For

  • T3 Total: Measures the overall level of T3 hormone in the blood, which is essential for understanding thyroid function and metabolism.

  • T3 Free: Focuses on the unbound T3 available to body tissues, providing insights into the active portion of T3 hormone.

  • T4 Total: Represents the total amount of T4 hormone, including both bound and unbound forms, in the bloodstream.

  • T4 Free: Concentrates on the free T4, which is not bound to proteins in the blood and is available to the body's cells.

  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): A key regulator of thyroid function, with its levels indicating the pituitary gland's response to circulating levels of thyroid hormones.

Getting a Complete Picture of Your Thyroid Health

For an even more comprehensive thyroid evaluation, consider the full Thyroid Health Test Package, which includes additional tests such as:

This expanded panel offers deeper insights, particularly useful for diagnosing complex cases of thyroid dysfunction or monitoring autoimmune thyroid conditions.

Conditions or Diseases Checked

This comprehensive panel can help diagnose and manage various thyroid conditions, including:

  • Hypothyroidism: Characterized by elevated TSH and low T4 and T3 levels.
  • Hyperthyroidism: Indicated by low TSH and high T4 and T3 levels.
  • Thyroid Nodules or Goiter: May affect hormone levels and thyroid function.
  • Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders: Such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, potentially identified by abnormal hormone levels and antibodies.

Use of Results by Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare providers use the results to diagnose thyroid disorders, tailor treatment plans, and monitor the effectiveness of therapies, ensuring optimal management of thyroid-related health issues.

The Thyroid Health Test Package (TSH, FT4, T4, FT3, and T3) offers a thorough assessment of thyroid function, suitable for individuals needing a comprehensive evaluation of their thyroid health. Whether managing existing thyroid conditions or investigating symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, this panel, along with its more detailed counterpart, provides critical insights for informed healthcare decisions, contributing to effective diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders.

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