Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (venipuncture)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 4-6 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive thyroid evaluation - Tests 8 key markers including TSH, Free T3/T4, Total T3/T4, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies
- Early detection power - Identifies thyroid disorders before symptoms worsen, enabling faster treatment
- Autoimmune insights - Detects thyroid antibodies to diagnose Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease
- Metabolism optimization - Reverse T3 testing reveals hormone conversion efficiency for complete thyroid health picture
- Treatment monitoring - Track thyroid medication effectiveness and adjust dosages with physician guidance
- No referral needed - Order directly online
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing fatigue, weight changes, temperature sensitivity, or mood swings
- Individuals with family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune conditions
- Those monitoring existing thyroid conditions or thyroid medication effectiveness
- Health-conscious consumers seeking preventive thyroid screening
- People with symptoms of hypothyroidism (slow metabolism) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Individuals with irregular menstrual periods, fertility issues, or heart rate changes
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No doctor visit required; simply purchase your test online
- Visit lab - Get blood drawn at any convenient walk-in lab location near you
- Get results - Receive results within 4-6 business days via secure portal
FAQ
What makes this test "extreme" compared to basic thyroid panels? This comprehensive panel includes Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies (TPO and thyroglobulin), providing deeper insights into thyroid hormone metabolism and autoimmune activity than standard TSH-only tests.
Do I need to stop taking thyroid medication before testing? Avoid taking thyroid medications on the morning of your test if possible, or follow your physician's specific instructions for medication timing.
Is Reverse T3 testing necessary for everyone? Reverse T3 helps evaluate hormone conversion efficiency and is particularly useful for complex cases or non-thyroidal illness, though not routinely recommended by all guidelines (Annals of Clinical Laboratory Science, 2020).
Can this test diagnose specific thyroid conditions? Yes, elevated antibodies suggest autoimmune thyroid disease, while abnormal hormone levels indicate hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Physician consultation is recommended for diagnosis.
When is the best time to get tested? Schedule testing in the morning for consistent hormone level measurement, as thyroid hormones naturally fluctuate throughout the day.
How accurate are the results? TSH combined with free T4 and T3 provides high sensitivity and specificity for thyroid dysfunction diagnosis, with antibody testing improving autoimmune disease detection (NCBI, 2023).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive blood panel evaluates thyroid gland function by measuring key thyroid hormones (TSH, Free T3, Total T3, Free T4, Total T4), Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies (thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase). The test detects thyroid disorders, assesses hormone production and conversion efficiency, identifies autoimmune thyroid activity, and monitors treatment progress. It provides insight into both thyroid and pituitary gland function, enabling early detection and management of thyroid conditions.
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals with symptoms of thyroid dysfunction such as unexplained fatigue, weight changes, temperature sensitivity, mood swings, or irregular menstrual periods should consider this test. Those with family history of thyroid disease, existing autoimmune conditions, or anyone monitoring thyroid treatment effectiveness will benefit. Health-conscious consumers seeking preventive screening and those with risk factors for thyroid disorders can use this test for proactive health management (American Thyroid Association, 2023).
When should I order the Thyroid #3 Extreme Blood Test Panel plus Reverse T3?
Order this test when experiencing symptoms like persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, feeling too hot or cold, depression, anxiety, heart palpitations, or changes in menstrual cycles. It's also valuable for monitoring known thyroid conditions, assessing treatment effectiveness, or investigating suspected autoimmune thyroid disease. Consider testing if you have family history of thyroid disorders or other autoimmune conditions.
How do I interpret the results?
Results include normal reference ranges for each biomarker. Deviations indicate potential thyroid dysfunction requiring physician evaluation.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone):
- High levels may indicate: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Low levels may indicate: Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Free T4 (Thyroxine):
- High levels may indicate: Hyperthyroidism
- Low levels may indicate: Hypothyroidism
Free T3 (Triiodothyronine):
- High levels may indicate: Hyperthyroidism, T3 toxicosis
- Low levels may indicate: Hypothyroidism
Reverse T3:
- High levels may indicate: Non-thyroidal illness, stress response
- Low levels may indicate: Rarely clinically significant
TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) Antibodies:
- High levels may indicate: Hashimoto's thyroiditis, autoimmune thyroid disease
- Low levels may indicate: Normal finding
Thyroglobulin Antibodies:
- High levels may indicate: Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Low levels may indicate: Normal finding
Approximately 20 million Americans have thyroid disease, with many cases undiagnosed (American Thyroid Association, 2023).
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. Avoid taking thyroid medications on the morning of your test if possible, or follow your physician's specific instructions. Schedule your appointment in the morning for consistent hormone level measurement, as thyroid hormones naturally fluctuate throughout the day. Continue taking other medications as prescribed unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your health status and risk factors. Follow your physician's recommendations for personalized testing schedules.
- Initial screening (healthy adults): Every 5 years after age 35
- Monitoring thyroid medication: Every 6–8 weeks until stable, then annually
- Known thyroid disease: Every 6–12 months or as directed
- Autoimmune thyroid disease: Every 6–12 months
- High-risk individuals: Annually or as recommended
- Pregnancy planning/monitoring: As directed by physician
Why early detection matters
Early detection of thyroid disorders reduces complications and healthcare costs related to cardiovascular disease, infertility, and metabolic syndrome (American Thyroid Association, 2023). Untreated thyroid conditions can lead to heart problems, osteoporosis, and mental health issues. Hashimoto's thyroiditis affects up to 5% of the U.S. population and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Prompt identification and treatment help maintain optimal metabolism, energy levels, and overall quality of life.
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