Quick Facts
- Sample: Finger prick blood spot
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around Time: 5-7 business days once the lab receives the specimen. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Convenient at-home collection - No clinic visits or needle phobia required
- Comprehensive thyroid assessment - Measures four key markers in one test
- Early detection of thyroid disorders - Catch problems before symptoms worsen
- Monitor treatment effectiveness - Track thyroid medication adjustments over time
- Autoimmune screening included - Detects Hashimoto's disease through TPO antibodies
- Secure online results - Access your results quickly through a protected portal
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing fatigue, weight changes, or hair loss
- People with family history of thyroid disease
- Women in perimenopause or menopause (7x higher risk)
- Those monitoring thyroid hormone replacement therapy
- Anyone seeking preventive thyroid health screening
- Individuals with symptoms of metabolism changes or mood swings
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order your kit online - Complete kit ships directly to your home with everything needed
- Collect your sample - Use the lancet for a simple finger prick and place drops on the filter card
- Get your results - Mail back using prepaid label and receive secure online results in 5-7 business days
FAQ
What hormones does this test measure? TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab) for comprehensive thyroid assessment.
Is the finger prick method as accurate as a blood draw? Yes, dried blood spot testing correlates excellently with traditional serum testing.
Do I need to stop my thyroid medication before testing? Continue your medication unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs otherwise.
How long does it take to get results? Results are typically available within 5-7 business days through your secure online portal.
Can this test detect autoimmune thyroid disease? Yes, elevated TPO antibodies indicate autoimmune thyroiditis, including Hashimoto's disease.
What if my results are abnormal? Consult with a healthcare provider for interpretation and discuss treatment or additional testing options.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test evaluates your thyroid gland function by measuring key hormones and antibodies that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and overall growth. The thyroid produces hormones crucial for maintaining your body's metabolic rate, and imbalances can lead to various health issues including weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, and more serious conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
The test measures TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), Free T3 and Free T4 (active thyroid hormones), and TPO antibodies (indicators of autoimmune thyroid disease). By identifying hormone imbalances early, this test helps healthcare providers diagnose thyroid disorders and develop effective treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for the estimated 30 million Americans with thyroid imbalances, many of whom remain undiagnosed (American Thyroid Association 2023). Women are seven times more likely than men to develop thyroid problems, with a 1 in 5 chance during perimenopause.
Individuals experiencing symptoms like unexplained fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, mood swings, or temperature sensitivity should consider this test. It's also beneficial for those with family history of thyroid disease, people monitoring thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and anyone seeking preventive health insights about their metabolic function.
When should I order this test?
Order this test when experiencing symptoms of thyroid imbalance such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, hair thinning, mood changes, or feeling unusually cold or hot. It's also recommended for routine screening if you have risk factors like family history of thyroid disease or are a woman in perimenopause.
For those already on thyroid medication, this test helps monitor treatment effectiveness and guide dosage adjustments. The morning collection time provides the most consistent results for tracking your thyroid health over time.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results will show levels of each hormone with reference ranges for comparison. Understanding these patterns helps identify specific thyroid conditions:
Test Result Pattern: High TSH, Low fT4/fT3
- What It Means: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Typical Action: Consider thyroid hormone replacement
Test Result Pattern: Low TSH, High fT4/fT3
- What It Means: Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Typical Action: Evaluate for treatment to reduce hormone levels
Test Result Pattern: Normal TSH/fT4, High TPOab
- What It Means: Early autoimmune thyroiditis
- Typical Action: Monitor regularly for progression
Test Result Pattern: All Values Normal
- What It Means: Healthy thyroid function
- Typical Action: Continue current lifestyle and retest as needed
Autoimmune thyroid disease affects about 10% of the population and often requires lifelong monitoring (Mayo Clinic 2024).
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
No fasting is required for this test, making it convenient to collect at any time. Continue taking your thyroid medications unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs otherwise, as stopping medication can affect result accuracy.
For the most consistent results, collect your sample in the morning when hormone levels are typically most stable. Ensure your hands are clean and warm before the finger prick to facilitate adequate blood flow for sample collection.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances and thyroid health status:
Circumstance: Initial Screening (Healthy Adults)
- Suggested Interval: Every 5 years after age 35
Circumstance: Monitoring Thyroid Medication
- Suggested Interval: Every 6–8 weeks initially, then every 6–12 months
Circumstance: Known Thyroid Disease
- Suggested Interval: Every 6–12 months or as directed by provider
Circumstance: Family History or Risk Factors
- Suggested Interval: Annually or every 2–3 years
Circumstance: Pregnancy Planning or During Pregnancy
- Suggested Interval: As recommended by healthcare provider
Why early detection matters
Early detection of thyroid dysfunction can prevent serious complications including cardiovascular disease, infertility, and metabolic disorders (Endocrine Society 2023). Untreated thyroid imbalances can significantly impact quality of life, affecting energy levels, weight management, mood stability, and cognitive function.
Identifying autoimmune thyroid disease early allows for proactive monitoring and intervention before severe symptoms develop. With proper treatment, most thyroid conditions are highly manageable, allowing individuals to maintain normal, healthy lives while preventing long-term health complications.
Related tests you may consider
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Thyroid Antibodies Blood Test Panel Plus Reverse T3 - Checks for thyroid antibodies that may cause autoimmune thyroid diseases and measures Reverse T3 to help evaluate how well your body is converting thyroid hormones, providing a detailed look at thyroid health.
Adrenocortex Stress Profile, Saliva - Genova Test Kit - Measures the cortisol and DHEA levels in four saliva samples over 24 hours to screen for a Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction.
