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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.
Blood tests of thyroid functions including TSH, T4 and T3 are usually normal [3] Ultrasonographic examination often shows the abscess or swelling in thyroid; Gallium scan will be positive; Barium swallow will show fistula connection to the piriform sinus and left lobe; Elevated white blood cell count [3] Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate [3]
De Quervain thyroiditis is diagnosed through clinical and test results, with laboratory features including elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Thyroid function testing often shows decreased thyroid stimulating hormone and increased serum levels of triiodothyronine and thyroxine during the acute phase.
Screening for thyroid disease in patients without symptoms is a debated topic although commonly practiced in the United States. [8] If dysfunction of the thyroid is suspected, laboratory tests can help support or rule out thyroid disease. Initial blood tests often include thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4). [9]
The RAIU test is a reliable measurement when using a dedicated probe with a reproducibility of 1 percent and a 95%-least-significant-change of 3 percent. [3] The normal uptake is between 15 and 25 percent, but this may be forced down if, in the meantime, the patient has eaten foods high in iodine, such as dairy products and seafood. [4]
In subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis, thyroid function tests will also evolve through the phases and RAIU will be low in the thyrotoxic phase. [ 4 ] [ 5 ] It can be distinguished from subacute granulomatous thyroiditis by lack of pain, presence of TPO or thyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies, and normal inflammatory markers.
Thyroid function tests will help reveal whether the nodule produces excess thyroid hormones. A radioactive iodine uptake test can help reveal the activity and location of the cancer and metastases. [67] [69] Thyroid cancers are treated by removing the whole or part of thyroid gland. Radioactive Iodine-131 may be given to radioablate the thyroid.
Thyroiditis is generally caused by an immune system attack on the thyroid, resulting in inflammation and damage to the thyroid cells. This disease is often considered a malfunction of the immune system and can be associated with IgG4-related systemic disease, in which symptoms of autoimmune pancreatitis, retroperitoneal fibrosis and noninfectious aortitis also occur.