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Thyroid function tests (TFTs) is a collective term for blood tests used to check the function of the thyroid. [1] TFTs may be requested if a patient is thought to suffer from hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), or to monitor the effectiveness of either thyroid-suppression or hormone replacement therapy.
Initial blood tests often include thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4). [9] Total and free triiodothyronine (T3) levels are less commonly used. [9] If autoimmune disease of the thyroid is suspected, blood tests looking for Anti-thyroid autoantibodies can also be obtained. Procedures such as ultrasound, biopsy and a ...
Test of Sensitivity of TSH-producing pituitary cells to thyroid hormones; also a marker for the set point of thyroid homeostasis The Thyrotroph Thyroid Hormone Sensitivity Index (abbreviated TTSI , also referred to as Thyrotroph T4 Resistance Index or TT4RI ) is a calculated structure parameter of thyroid homeostasis .
Thyroid hormone binding ratio (THBR) is a thyroid function test that measures the "uptake" of T3 or T4 tracer by thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) in a given serum sample. This provides an indirect and reciprocal estimate of the available binding sites on TBG within the sample. The results are then reported as a ratio to normal serum.
Blood free thyroxine and TSH levels are monitored to help determine whether the dose is adequate. This is done 4–8 weeks after the start of treatment or a change in levothyroxine dose. Once the adequate replacement dose has been established, the tests can be repeated after 6 and then 12 months, unless there is a change in symptoms. [8]
In 1968, a reduced T4 half-life in athletes was discovered. This was the first awareness of thyroid hormone concentration alterations that were not a result of thyroid gland or pituitary dysfunction. In 1971, they also found a transient increase in T4 during bicycle training. [2]
Free T 4 levels will usually be lowered, but sometimes might be normal. [71] Immunoassay tests of Free T 4 and Free T 3 may overestimate concentrations, particularly at low thyroid hormone levels, which is why results are typically read in conjunction with TSH, a more sensitive measure. [68]
Further information: Thyroid function tests. Triiodothyronine (T 3) and thyroxine (T 4) can be measured as free T 3 and free T 4, which are indicators of their activities in the body. [73] They can also be measured as total T 3 and total T 4, which depend on the amount that is bound to thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG). [73]