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: Human Calcitonin, Thyrocalcitonin
Also known as: Free T3, FT3, T3 Free
Also known as: Free T4, FT4, T4 Free
Also known as: TBG Thyroxine Binding Globulin, Thyroxine Binding Globulin, Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG)
Also known as: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyrotropin
The Thyroid Nodule Assessment and Monitoring Base Panel panel contains 6 tests with 8 biomarkers.
The Thyroid Nodule Assessment and Monitoring Base Panel is a comprehensive set of laboratory tests designed to evaluate the health of the thyroid gland, particularly when thyroid nodules are present. This panel is critical for guiding diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring strategies. Below is a detailed description of each test in the panel and its relevance to thyroid nodules:
Calcitonin: This test measures the level of calcitonin, a hormone produced by the C-cells of the thyroid gland. Elevated calcitonin levels can be a marker for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a type of thyroid cancer that can develop from thyroid nodules. Regular calcitonin testing can help in early detection and monitoring of MTC.
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): TSH is the pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4. Abnormal TSH levels can indicate whether a thyroid nodule is affecting thyroid function. Low TSH levels may suggest hyperfunctioning nodules, while high TSH levels can be associated with hypothyroidism.
Free T3 (Triiodothyronine): Free T3 testing measures the amount of T3 available in the blood that is not bound to proteins, providing information about thyroid gland metabolism. This can help in assessing whether thyroid nodules are functioning (producing hormones) or non-functioning.
Free T4 (Thyroxine): Like Free T3, Free T4 measures the unbound levels of the primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Abnormal levels can help identify how thyroid nodules may be impacting overall thyroid hormone production.
TBG (Thyroxine Binding Globulin): TBG is the primary protein that transports thyroid hormones in the blood. Measuring TBG can help understand the thyroid's state, as changes in TBG levels can affect the levels of free thyroid hormones and complicate the interpretation of thyroid function tests.
Thyroid Peroxidase and Thyroglobulin Antibodies: These tests measure the presence of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin, which can indicate autoimmune thyroid disease like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease. The presence of these antibodies in conjunction with thyroid nodules can influence management and treatment decisions.
Together, these tests provide an integrated view of thyroid health, nodule functionality, and potential autoimmune involvement, which is essential for determining the appropriate clinical approach to thyroid nodules. Regular monitoring with this panel can detect changes in thyroid function and nodule characteristics, assisting in early intervention and personalized patient care.