Medlife Labs Thyroid Profile (T3 + T4 + TSH) - 3 Tests 1 Unit

Overview:

Thyroid profile consists of group of blood tests to monitor thyroid gland functioning or check the response of thyroid disorders towards treatment. The tests include measuring the levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The series of tests diagnose underactive (decreased) and overactive (increased) thyroid function. Thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in front of your neck. Its functions include regulation of body’s processes, including growth and metabolism, energy, and others. The thyroid produces two main hormones into the blood, T3 and T4. To regulate the amount of hormones secreted by thyroid gland, pituitary gland secretes TSH. Both glands work in coordination to ensure production of optimum levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. Thyroid hormones are present in two forms: protein-bound or the free and active form. Most of the times, the free and active forms [Free T4 (FT4) or Free T3 (FT3)] are measured clinically to monitor the thyroid gland.

Also Known as

Thyroid function tests, TFTs, thyroid panel

How the Test is Done?

Test methodology: Enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) An immunoassay technique that involves reaction of T3, T4, and TSH from blood specimen with horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled antibody (specific to T3, T4, and TSH, respectively) conjugate. A complex is formed, this HRP conjugate reacts with added reagents to produce light which is read by the system. Thus, measured amount of HRP conjugates give the amount of concentration of T3, T4, and TSH, respectively.

What all does the test include?

The components of thyroid panel include:

• Free T4 or total T4: To check for hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and to monitor treatment response.
• Free T3 or total T3: To check for hyperthyroidism and to monitor treatment response.
• TSH: To check for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and to monitor treatment response.

How to Prepare Before the Test?

No preparation is needed for this test.

Specimen

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm

Why to Take the Test?

You may want to take this test if you experience signs and symptoms of hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

• Unusual weight gain
• Poor concentration
• Puffy or dry skin
• Constipation
• Intolerance to cold
• Loss of hair
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint pain
• Menstrual problems in females
• Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:
• Unexplained weight loss
• Rapid heart rate
• Bulging of the eyes
• Intolerance to heat
• Anxiety
• Sleeping problems
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Puffiness around the eyes, dryness, irritation, or 

Your doctor may order this test if you have a family history of a thyroid disorder and you are planning to get pregnant. Your doctor may also ask you to take thyroid function tests if he/she suspects any medical condition that may affect your thyroid functioning.

When get tested

As part of a health checkup or when symptoms suggest hypo -or hyperthyroidism due to a condition affecting the thyroid.

Interpretations

• TSH level – high and T4 or T3 – low: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• TSH level – low and T4 or T3 – high: Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• TSH level – slightly high and FT4 - normal reference range: Subclinical hypothyroidism or mild thyroid dysfunction.
• TSH level – low and T3 or T4 – low: Pituitary gland failure (secondary hypothyroidism due to hypopituitarism) or due to some other non-thyroid disorder.

Several conditions can lead to unusual results. Follow-up tests and check-up will be required to diagnose the medical condition.

Commonly known causes of hyperthyroidism include:

• Graves’ disease
• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)
• Some pituitary gland tumors
• Taking too much iodine in diet
• Taking too much thyroid hormone (thyroid medications)

Causes of hypothyroidism include:

• Autoimmune disorders including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and atrophic thyroiditis
• Surgically removed thyroid (partial of complete)
• Congenital (since birth) hypothyroidism
• Damaged pituitary gland
• Radiation therapy
• Thyroiditis
• Taking too little iodine
• Anti-thyroid medications
• Other medicines (that affect working of thyroid gland)

Associated Diseases

Thyroid nodules, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperparathyroidism, thyroid cancer, thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Graves' disease

Country of Origin: India

Does thyroid function get affected with alcohol consumption?

Occasional drinking would not cause lasting damage to the thyroid gland, but regular or heavy drinking can suppress the thyroid function.

Can underactive thyroid be dangerous?

In rare cases, severe underactive thyroid can lead to life-threatening condition.

What happens when thyroid problems are left untreated?

If left untreated, thyroid problems can lead to several complications. Untreated hypothyroidism (low activity of thyroid gland) can cause infertility, nerve injury, or cardiovascular problems, whereas hyperthyroidism (overactivity of thyroid gland) can result in cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), hypertension, or sudden cardiac arrest.

Why thyroid medication is taken early in the morning or an hour before the breakfast?

This is to achieve consistency with the medication and avoid any variation in thyroid levels.

How does thyroid effect stomach?

Thyroid gland releases hormones which are involved in digestion and metabolism, that’s why thyroid problem can cause gastrointestinal conditions.

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