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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.
After exercise, a transient increase occurs in TSH, T4, and T3, but this is thought to be due to increased blood concentration as a result of dehydration. [2] The effects normalize after rest. After long-term heavy strain, levels of thyroid hormones decrease. [ 2 ]
In sub-clinical hyperthyroidism, serum TSH is abnormally low, but T4- and T3-levels fall within laboratory reference ranges. [47] It primarily affects the skeleton and the cardiovascular system (abnormalities in other systems have also been reported), in a similar but less severe and less frequent way than overt hyperthyroidism does.
Free T4 and total T3 can be measured when hyperthyroidism is of high suspicion as it will improve the accuracy of the diagnosis. Free T4, total T3 or both are elevated and serum TSH is below normal in hyperthyroidism. If the hyperthyroidism is mild, only serum T3 may be elevated and serum TSH can be low or may not be detected in the blood. [14]
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 ]
If the TSH is high, or the T 4 low, the infant's doctor and parents are called and a referral to a pediatric endocrinologist is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and initiate treatment. A technetium (Tc-99m pertechnetate) thyroid scan detects a structurally abnormal gland, while a radioactive iodine (RAIU) exam identifies congenital absence ...
The diagnosis may be suspected based on symptoms and confirmed with blood tests and radioiodine uptake. [1] [4] Typically, blood tests show a raised T 3 and T 4, low TSH, increased radioiodine uptake in all areas of the thyroid, and TSI antibodies. [4] The three treatment options are radioiodine therapy, medications, and thyroid surgery. [1]
In any case, the concentration of T 3 in the human blood plasma is about one-fortieth that of T 4. The half-life of T 3 is about 2.5 days. [3] The half-life of T 4 is about 6.5 days. [4] T 3 levels start to rise 45 minutes after administration and peak at about 2.5 hours.