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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.
The pituitary gland secretes thyrotropin (TSH; Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) that stimulates the thyroid to secrete thyroxine (T4) and, to a lesser degree, triiodothyronine (T3). The major portion of T3, however, is produced in peripheral organs, e.g. liver , adipose tissue , glia and skeletal muscle by deiodination from circulating T4.
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 ...
Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by looking at the free thyroxine (T4) levels in people with elevated TSH levels, and comparing the ratio between them. People with high TSH and low T4 get a diagnosis ...
The major form of thyroid hormone in the blood is thyroxine (T 4), whose half-life of around one week [4] is longer than that of T 3. [5] In humans, the ratio of T 4 to T 3 released into the blood is approximately 14:1. [6] T 4 is converted to the active T 3 (three to four times more potent than T 4) within cells by deiodinases (5′-deiodinase).
In addition to testing the TSH levels, many doctors test for T 3, Free T 3, T 4, and/or Free T 4 for more detailed results. Free T 4 is unbound to any protein in the blood. Adult limits for these hormones are: TSH (units): 0.45 – 4.50 uIU/mL; T 4 Free/Direct (nanograms): 0.82 – 1.77 ng/dl; and T 3 (nanograms): 71 – 180 ng/dl.
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]
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a ban this week on red dye No. 3, or erythrosine, from foods and oral medications due to a potential cancer risk.. Food manufacturers have ...