Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood spot from finger prick
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 5-7 business days once the lab receives the specimen. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive thyroid assessment - measures 6 key hormones and antibodies in one test
- Convenient at-home collection - no needles or lab visits required
- Accurate results - dried blood spot method shows >90% correlation with serum testing
- Test while on hormones - adjusted reference ranges allow testing without stopping treatments
- Early autoimmune detection - TPO antibodies identify Hashimoto's and other thyroid autoimmune conditions
- Secure online results - confidential results delivery
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing fatigue, weight changes, or mood disorders
- People monitoring thyroid replacement therapy effectiveness
- Those with family history of thyroid or autoimmune diseases
- Anyone seeking comprehensive thyroid health screening
- Patients wanting to test without stopping hormone treatments
- Health-conscious consumers preferring direct-to-consumer lab services
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Collect your sample - Use the provided lancet to collect blood drops on the filter card within an hour of waking
- Mail to the lab - Let the blood spot dry completely, then ship using the prepaid envelope
- Get your results - Secure online results delivered in 5-7 business days
FAQ
What hormones does this test measure? The Elite Thyroid Profile measures T4, free T4, free T3, TSH, thyroglobulin, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO).
Can I test while taking thyroid medication? Yes, ZRT provides adjusted reference ranges allowing accurate testing without stopping hormone treatments.
How accurate is blood spot testing compared to regular blood draws? Dried blood spot testing shows high correlation (>90%) with traditional serum assays for thyroid hormones.
What conditions can this test detect? This test can detect hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Do I need to fast before collecting my sample? No fasting is required, but collect your sample within an hour of waking for optimal accuracy.
How often should I retest my thyroid function? Testing frequency depends on your condition, but typically every 3-6 months for monitoring thyroid therapy.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Elite Thyroid Blood Spot Profile provides comprehensive thyroid function assessment by measuring multiple thyroid hormones and antibodies. This test evaluates total and free thyroid hormones including T4, free T4, free T3, TSH, thyroglobulin, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies, offering a detailed picture of thyroid health. It's designed to detect thyroid dysfunction and autoimmune thyroid diseases, supporting proactive management of thyroid disorders from the convenience of home.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals with symptoms of thyroid imbalance such as fatigue, weight changes, mood disorders, or infertility. It's particularly valuable for those monitoring thyroid replacement therapy, people with family history of thyroid disease, and anyone seeking detailed thyroid health insights. The test is ideal for health-conscious consumers who prefer direct-to-consumer lab services and want comprehensive thyroid screening without insurance billing or traditional lab visits.
When should I order the Elite Thyroid Profile?
Order this test when experiencing symptoms like persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, mood changes, hair loss, or temperature sensitivity. It's also recommended for monitoring thyroid therapy effectiveness, evaluating autoimmune thyroid conditions, or conducting preventive health screening. The test is particularly useful if you want comprehensive thyroid assessment without stopping hormone treatments, as ZRT provides adjusted reference ranges for accurate results.
How do I interpret the results?
Results show levels of thyroid hormones and antibodies compared to normal reference ranges. The interpretation table below provides guidance on common thyroid markers:
TSH
- Normal range: 0.5–4.0 mIU/L
- High levels may indicate: Hypothyroidism
- Low levels may indicate: Hyperthyroidism
Free T4
- Normal range: 0.8–1.8 ng/dL
- High levels may indicate: Hyperthyroidism
- Low levels may indicate: Hypothyroidism
Free T3
- Normal range: 2.3–4.2 pg/mL
- High levels may indicate: Hyperthyroidism
- Low levels may indicate: Hypothyroidism
TPO Antibodies
- Normal range: <35 IU/mL
- High levels may indicate: Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Low levels may indicate: Normal immune response
Abnormal results should always be discussed with a healthcare provider for proper interpretation and treatment recommendations.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Collect your sample within an hour of waking for optimal accuracy. Avoid anti-aging or anti-wrinkle creams on your face for 3 days prior to testing. If using hormones (topical, oral, or injectable), follow specific timing instructions provided with your kit to avoid contamination or interference. Change pillowcases and towels the night before to minimize hormone contamination from previous use.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your specific health circumstances and thyroid condition:
- Initial thyroid screening: Annually or as symptoms arise
- Monitoring thyroid therapy: Every 3–6 months
- Autoimmune thyroid disease: Every 3–6 months
- Stable thyroid function: Every 6–12 months
- Hormone replacement therapy: Every 3–6 months initially, then every 6–12 months
Why early detection matters
Early detection of thyroid dysfunction is crucial because approximately 20 million Americans have thyroid disease, with many remaining undiagnosed (American Thyroid Association, 2023). Untreated thyroid disorders can lead to serious complications including cardiovascular disease, infertility, and metabolic dysfunction. Autoimmune thyroid disease affects about 5% of the U.S. population, making antibody testing essential for accurate diagnosis (Endocrine Society, 2022). Early intervention can prevent complications, improve quality of life, and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
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