This panel helps evaluate thyroid function and diagnose thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid diseases.
Thyroid Tests
Total T4 (Thyroxine): Measures the total amount of thyroxine in your blood, including both the bound and free forms. T4 is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate metabolism.
Total T3 (Triiodothyronine): Measures the total amount of triiodothyronine in your blood, including both the bound and free forms. T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone and is crucial for metabolism.
Reverse T3: Measures the inactive form of T3. Elevated levels can be seen in non-thyroidal illness syndrome (euthyroid sick syndrome) and can help differentiate between different types of thyroid dysfunction.
T3 Uptake: Assesses the binding capacity of thyroid hormone-binding proteins. It is used to calculate the free thyroxine index (FTI), which helps in evaluating thyroid function by accounting for variations in binding proteins.
Thyroxine Binding Globulin (TBG): Measures the level of TBG, the main protein that binds thyroid hormones in the blood. Abnormal levels can affect total T4 and T3 measurements and can be seen in conditions like pregnancy, liver disease, and certain medications.
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb): High levels of TPO antibodies are indicative of autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. They are often measured when TSH levels are abnormal to assess for autoimmune etiology.
Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb): Elevated levels of thyroglobulin antibodies are also associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases, particularly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. They can be measured when TPO antibodies are negative but clinical suspicion for autoimmune thyroiditis remains.