Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No fasting required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours before your collection. Avoid collection during or after heparin administration.
- Turnaround: 4-6 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What's Included
Thyroid Panel with TSH
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Measures the pituitary hormone that signals your thyroid to produce hormones, helping identify an underactive or overactive thyroid.
- T3 Uptake: Part of the comprehensive thyroid hormone evaluation used alongside T4 and TSH.
- T4 (Thyroxine), Total: Measures total thyroxine levels as part of your overall thyroid hormone evaluation.
- Free Thyroxine Index (T7): A calculated value that helps clarify thyroid hormone status when binding proteins may affect results.
Free Thyroid Hormones
- Free T3: Evaluates thyroid function and helps assess abnormal binding protein disorders.
- Thyroxine (T4) Free (Direct): Useful when binding globulin issues are suspected or when other results don't match clinical findings.
Thyroid Antibodies
- Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies: Detects antibodies commonly present in chronic thyroiditis and other thyroid conditions.
- Thyroid Antithyroglobulin Antibody: Helps investigate an enlarged thyroid (goiter) or follow up on abnormal thyroid hormone results.
- Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI): Supports evaluation of autoimmune thyroid conditions, including Graves disease.
Additional Thyroid Markers
- Reverse T3 (rT3), Serum: An inactive isomer of T3 that can help assess thyroid function and metabolism.
- Thyroxine Binding Globulin (TBG): Helps distinguish true thyroid hormone changes from changes caused by binding protein levels.
- Triiodothyronine (T3), Total: Measures the active thyroid hormone that helps regulate metabolism, temperature, and heart rate.
Benefits
- Evaluates thyroid hormones, antibodies, and binding proteins in one panel.
- Supports a broader picture of overall thyroid function.
- Includes markers relevant to autoimmune thyroid conditions.
- Helps distinguish true hormone changes from binding protein effects.
- Convenient blood draw with no fasting required.
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals interested in a comprehensive look at their thyroid function.
- People whose prior thyroid results seemed inconsistent with symptoms.
- Those with a personal or family history of thyroid or autoimmune conditions.
- Individuals monitoring thyroid health alongside a healthcare provider.
- People wanting insight into thyroid antibodies as well as hormone levels.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This panel evaluates thyroid hormone production (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Total T3, T4, T3 Uptake, Free T4 Index), thyroid antibodies (TPO, antithyroglobulin, TSI), and binding proteins (TBG, Reverse T3). Together, these markers offer a broader view of how your thyroid is functioning and whether autoimmune activity may be involved.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
This panel may benefit individuals interested in a thorough thyroid evaluation, those with inconsistent prior thyroid results, and people with a personal or family history of thyroid or autoimmune conditions who want a more complete picture alongside their healthcare provider.
3. When should I order this panel?
You may consider this panel for general screening of thyroid function, for ongoing monitoring of known thyroid activity, or as a follow up when previous thyroid results raised questions. It is not intended to diagnose any specific condition on its own.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours before your collection, and avoid collection during or after heparin administration.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 4-6 days. Turnaround may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
Thyroid results are often most meaningful when viewed together as a pattern rather than as individual values. Hormone, antibody, and binding protein levels can each influence one another, so your healthcare provider is best positioned to interpret how your results relate to your overall health.
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.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If any of your results fall outside the expected range, share them with your healthcare provider. They can help determine what the results mean for you and whether any additional evaluation or follow up testing is appropriate.
8. How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual health history and goals. Follow up testing as directed by your healthcare provider to monitor your thyroid function over time.
9. Why early detection matters
Regular thyroid testing may support earlier awareness of changes in thyroid hormone or antibody levels, which can help guide conversations with your healthcare provider. This panel is intended to support, not replace, ongoing medical care.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection. Collection should not occur during or after heparin administration.
Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
