Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 4-6 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive thyroid evaluation - Measures 9 key biomarkers beyond basic TSH testing
- Early detection - Identifies thyroid disorders before symptoms become severe
- Autoimmune screening - Detects antibodies for Hashimoto's and Graves' disease
- No doctor referral needed - Order directly online with convenient lab access
- Confidential testing - Secure handling of your health information
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with thyroid symptoms - Fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, temperature sensitivity
- People with family history - Genetic predisposition to thyroid disorders
- Those monitoring existing conditions - Hashimoto's, Graves' disease, or other thyroid disorders
- Patients on thyroid medications - Tracking treatment effectiveness and hormone levels
- Health-conscious individuals - Proactive screening for metabolic and hormonal imbalances
- Anyone with unexplained symptoms - Persistent tiredness, hair loss, or cognitive issues
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test kit through Walk-In Lab's secure platform
- Visit a lab - Get your blood drawn at any participating location near you
- Receive results - Access results within days via secure portal
FAQ
What does this test measure? Nine thyroid markers including TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO antibodies, TSI, Thyroglobulin antibodies, TBG, and Total T3.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting is required. However, inform the lab if you're taking thyroid medications or had recent contrast imaging.
Can this test detect autoimmune thyroid diseases? Yes, it measures TPO and TSI antibodies that are markers for Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.
How accurate is this test? Very accurate when performed at certified labs. TSH is the most sensitive marker, while combined panels improve diagnostic specificity (Cleveland Clinic 2025).
What if my results are abnormal? Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation and potential follow-up testing or treatment recommendations.
How often should I get tested? Depends on your condition - typically every 6-12 months for monitoring, or as recommended by your doctor.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Thyroid #4 Comprehensive Blood Test Panel evaluates thyroid gland function by measuring multiple hormones, antibodies, and proteins that regulate metabolism, energy, and overall well-being. This comprehensive panel detects thyroid disorders including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease (American Thyroid Association 2020).
The thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. By assessing nine key biomarkers, this test provides a complete picture of thyroid health beyond standard TSH screening, enabling early detection and proper management of thyroid dysfunction.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for individuals experiencing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction such as unexplained fatigue, weight changes, mood disturbances, or temperature sensitivity. People with family history of thyroid disorders should consider testing, as thyroid diseases often have genetic components (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Those already diagnosed with thyroid conditions benefit from comprehensive monitoring to track treatment effectiveness and disease progression. Additionally, individuals with other autoimmune conditions or unexplained metabolic issues may discover underlying thyroid involvement through this comprehensive evaluation.
When should I order the Thyroid #4 Comprehensive Blood Test Panel?
Order this test when experiencing symptoms like persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, mood swings, hair loss, or sensitivity to temperature changes. It's also recommended for screening individuals with family history of thyroid disease or those with other autoimmune conditions (NCBI 2023).
Consider testing if you have risk factors such as being female (women are 5-8 times more likely to develop thyroid problems), being over 60, or having a history of pregnancy-related thyroid issues. Regular screening helps detect thyroid dysfunction early when treatment is most effective.
How do I interpret the results?
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone):
- Normal Range: 0.5–4.0 mIU/L
- Abnormal Results:
- High: Hypothyroidism
- Low: Hyperthyroidism
Free T4 (Thyroxine):
- Normal Range: 0.8–1.8 ng/dL
- Abnormal Results:
- Low: Hypothyroidism
- High: Hyperthyroidism
Free T3 (Triiodothyronine):
- Normal Range: 2.3–4.2 pg/mL
- Abnormal Results:
- Low: Hypothyroidism
- High: Hyperthyroidism
TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) Antibodies:
- Normal Range: <35 IU/mL
- Abnormal Results:
- Elevated: Hashimoto's thyroiditis
TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin):
- Normal Range: <140% baseline
- Abnormal Results:
- Elevated: Graves' disease
Reverse T3:
- Normal Range: 8–25 ng/dL
- Abnormal Results:
- High: Impaired T3 conversion
Normal ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Always consult 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
No fasting is required for this test. However, inform your healthcare provider and the lab if you're taking thyroid medications, biotin supplements, or have recently undergone imaging procedures with contrast dye, as these may affect results (MedlinePlus 2024).
Avoid taking biotin supplements for 48 hours before testing if possible, as biotin can interfere with some thyroid hormone assays. Continue taking prescribed thyroid medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening (no symptoms): Every 2–3 years after age 35
- Monitoring hypothyroidism treatment: Every 6–8 weeks initially, then every 6–12 months
- Monitoring hyperthyroidism treatment: Every 4–6 weeks initially, then every 3–6 months
- Autoimmune thyroid disease: Every 6–12 months or as recommended
- High-risk individuals: Annually or as directed by healthcare provider
Why early detection matters
Early detection of thyroid disorders significantly improves treatment outcomes and prevents serious complications. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to cardiovascular disease, infertility, and cognitive impairment, while untreated hyperthyroidism may cause heart problems and bone loss (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Approximately 20 million Americans have thyroid disease, with up to 60% remaining undiagnosed (American Thyroid Association 2023). Timely diagnosis and treatment can reduce healthcare costs related to complications by up to 30% and significantly improve quality of life.
Related tests you may consider
Thyroid Antibodies Panel Blood Test - Detects and measures the number of specific thyroid antibodies in the blood to screen for thyroid disorders.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGFR Blood Test- Evaluates nutrient levels, liver, and kidney function.
Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Blood Test- Checks if you have enough vitamin D, helping to ensure your bones stay healthy and reducing the risk of various health issues associated with vitamin D deficiency.
Iron Serum Test- Measures how much iron is in your blood to help doctors diagnose and treat conditions like anemia or too much iron, ensuring your body stays healthy.
Cortisol Blood Test, LC-MS - Measures cortisol levels in the blood to help screen for conditions related to adrenal gland disorders.
