SD PATHOLOGY
FT3, FT4 &TSH
FT3, FT4 &TSH
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What is Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH)?
The Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) test offers a series of blood tests that measure the levels of free form of thyroid hormones in the blood. This test is used to identify the functioning of the thyroid gland and measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3).
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in the neck that produces hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are responsible for regulating metabolism and other bodily functions. The production and release of these hormones are controlled by the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland. FT4 and FT3 represent the free or unbound and active forms of thyroxine and triiodothyronine, respectively. It reflects the amount of available thyroid hormone circulating in the blood.
The Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) test is used to assess how well your thyroid gland is working and aid in the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders, such as an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Your doctor may advise this test if you show symptoms suggestive of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, nervousness, irritability, increased sweating, and rapid heartbeat, or hypothyroidism, such as weight gain, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation, and dry skin. It is also important for pregnant women to have healthy amounts of thyroid hormones to ensure the healthy development of their babies. Therefore, screening with a TFT-Free test may be recommended for pregnant women.
No special preparations are needed for the tests of this package. Usually, you do not need to stop taking your thyroid medication before taking this test. However, let your doctor know about all your medications, as some can affect thyroid function.
Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. The test results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition and formulate your overall treatment plan.
What is Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) used for?
The Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) is done:
- As part of routine health checkups to monitor your overall health.
- To evaluate symptoms that can be caused by an imbalance in thyroid hormone levels, such as fatigue, weight loss/gain, hair loss, changes to heart rate, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold.
- To diagnose and monitor the treatment of any suspected thyroid disease, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Grave’s disease, thyroiditis, or Hashimoto’s disease.
- To detect an underactive thyroid gland in newborn babies.
- To evaluate and monitor treatments of other disorders, such as thyroid nodules and pituitary or hypothalamus gland disorders.
- To investigate the cause of infertility.
What does Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) measure?
Contains 3 testsThyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) are thyroid hormones that help regulate metabolism and energy levels. On the other hand, the pituitary gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4 hormones. T3 and T4 circulate in the blood in two forms: bound (attached to proteins) and free (does not attach to any protein). The Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) measures the free or active form of these hormones.
The serum levels of the thyroid hormones and TSH have an inverse relationship, i.e., low T4 and T3 (as observed in hypothyroidism) and high T4 and T3 (as seen in hyperthyroidism) levels are associated with high and low TSH levels, respectively.
Interpreting Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) results
Interpretations
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Low T4 and T3, along with a high TSH level, indicate hypothyroidism. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto thyroiditis.
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High T4 and T3, along with low TSH, indicate hyperthyroidism. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease.
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Normal thyroxine T4 and T3, along with high TSH, usually indicates mild or subclinical hypothyroidism.
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Normal T3 and T4, along with low TSH, indicate mild or subclinical hyperthyroidism.
Note: TSH levels show circadian variation (fluctuates during the 24-hour cycle), reaching peak levels between 2 - 4 am and low levels between 6-10 pm.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH)
Frequently Asked Questions about Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH)
Q. What is the full form of T3, T4, and TSH?
Q. What does the Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) measure?
