Have you been advised a thyroid blood test? This article will help you understand why you need the test and how to prepare for a thyroid blood test.
Thyroid disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent and have become a common illness worldwide. According to recent statistics, an estimate of 42 million (more than 30% population) people in India suffers from thyroid disorders. It comes under the umbrella of the term “lifestyle disorders”.
In India, such high number of thyroid cases can be because of lack of proper nutrition and unavailability of therapeutic sources. Lack of awareness and education and inadequate screening for thyroid disorders are other major contributing factors.
Thyroid Gland is A Butterfly-shaped Gland Located in The Neck Which Synthesizes and Releases Following The Hormones
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is secreted by the pituitary gland which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4. In blood, 80% of T3 and 70% of T4 hormones are bound to a transport protein, thyroxine binding globulin (TBG).
About 0.05% T4 and 0.2% T3 are found in “free” or unbound form in the plasma. The thyroid gland is one of the most important endocrine glands of the body. It influences a lot of body functions by secreting the thyroid hormones.
It is Responsible for Regulating and Maintaining The Following Bodily Functions
Learn More About Natural Ways To Enhance T3 Levels
Thyroid blood test is done in the following conditions
A Thyroid Blood Test is also Done In High Risk Patients Such as
Some researches, however, claim that T3, T4 and TSH levels did not show any significant difference in fasting and non-fasting conditions in the same patient. For this reason, fasting for 8-12 hours is advised. You will be asked to report to the laboratory in the morning.
If you go for a thyroid blood test routinely or if you have been on thyroid treatment, it is usually advisable to go for the test at the same time and in the same manner, that is, fasting or non-fasting.
Drawing blood takes less than 5 minutes. You can resume your regular work immediately.
There are no specific risks for a thyroid blood test. You may notice slight bruising at the site of the punctured vein. This goes away in a day or so without doing much to it. You can even apply ice packs if the bruise hurts too much. Contact your doctor immediately if the punctured vein site becomes red and swollen.
Drugs
Certain Drugs and Medications can Influence Thyroid Blood Test Results, This need to be Discussed with your Doctor. Drugs Affecting Blood Test Results are
Medical Conditions
Similar to drugs certain medical conditions can also influence thyroid blood test results
Learn More about Reasons For Fasting Before Blood Tests
Hormone | Normal range |
T3 | 80 – 220 ng/dL |
T4 | 5.4 – 11.5 mcg/dL |
Free T3 | 3.0 – 4.0 pg/mL |
Free T4 | 0.7 – 1.8 ng/dL |
TSH | 0.5 – 4.5 mIU/L |
TPO antibodies | Less than 35 IU/mL |
Anti-thyroglobulin | Less than 20 IU/mL |
Values above or below the reference range are considered abnormal. Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism are the two commonest thyroid disorders.
If your tests results are abnormal, your clinician may want to evaluate further. He may advice you an ultrasound, CT scan, thyroid scan or a radioactive iodine uptake test. You may also need to undergo a few other blood tests to assess the causes of thyroid disorders.
Dr. Himanshi is a Homoeopathic consultant and currently working as a lecturer in Post-graduate faculty of Homeopathy, Parul University, Vadodara. Completed BHMS and MD in Homeopathy in January 2018 and also has a clinical experience of about 6 years. Personal interests include reading, spending time with family and traveling.
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