What is the thyroid profile test?
The thyroid is a small gland in the front of the neck that makes two thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) & thyroxine (T4). The thyroid hormone controls the body's metabolism & growth. The Thyroid Profile Total Test measures the amount of T3, T4, and TSH in the blood to evaluate the functioning of the thyroid gland and problems related to hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
When is the thyroid profile test done?
A doctor may recommend this test in the following.
What are the components of the thyroid profile test?
The Thyroid Profile Test is a series of tests that include T3, T4, and TSH.
What is the usual range of thyroid profile tests?
How is the thyroid profile test done?
- To detect hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
- To evaluate patients undergoing treatment for thyroid
- In patients experiencing weight loss or weight gain
- As a routine test during pregnancy
- T3 test: To measure the blood's triiodothyronine (T3) hormone. It helps in detecting hyperthyroidism.
- T4 test: To measure the hormone T4 (thyroxine) in the blood
- TSH test: A thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test can help tell how well the thyroid functions. The pituitary gland secretes this hormone. The pituitary releases less TSH when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, which lowers the blood levels of TSH. The pituitary gland releases more TSH into the blood if a thyroid disorder prevents the gland from producing enough thyroid hormone.
- Adults'Total T4 : 5.0 to 12.0μg/dL or 77–155 nmol/L
- Adult's Total T3:80-220 ng/dL or 1.2–2.8 nmol/L
- Normal TSH: 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L
- Undergoing treatment for thyroid TSH:0.5 and 2.0 mIU/L.
- The condition called hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough of these hormones.
- When the thyroid gland makes too many hormones, the condition is called hyperthyroidism.
- The blood sample is drawn from the vein.
- No special preparations are required for the tests.
- May or may not fast before the test, depending upon the doctor's advice
- A morning sample gives better results
- The results may take a day or two to come.