Thyroid Tests – The Interpretation

Thyroid testing is done to confirm the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. There are many types of tests like physical assessments, laboratory tests, scanning, and biopsies that are used to determine the size, function and condition of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid Tests – Types and Importance

There are many types of thyroid tests that are used to identify or detect thyroid disease or dysfunction. Palpitation is one such preliminary examination that is used to identify thyroid dysfunction. T4 thyroid test is used to determine the amount of thyroxin hormone present in the blood stream. This test is typically used for detecting hypothyroidism in children and adults. TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone test is the verification test for T4 test. Thyroid ultrasound test is done to determine the size and the appearance of the thyroid gland. Fine-needle biopsy is one of the standard thyroid tests that are done to detect carcinoma or cancer in the thyroid nodules.

Thyroid Function Test – Key Interpretations

In TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone test, the normal range varies from 0.4 to 6. Values under 0.4 can be indicative of hyperthyroidism problems while values above 6 are indicative of hypothyroidism. However, the American Association of clinical endocrinologists has narrowed down the results to 0.3 to 3, and one has to be aware of these revisions before confirming the results. In total T4 thyroid function test, the value ranges from 4.5 to 12.5 and any value less than 4.5 is indicative of under functioning of the thyroid gland. It is also indicative of over secretion of TSH hormone. Values above 12.5 indicate hyperthyroidism or low TSH level or pituitary problem. The thyroxin level ranges from 0.7 to 2 and values less than 0.7 shows hyperthyroidism problem. T3 thyroid function test value ranges from 80 to 220 and values less than 80 indicate hypothyroidism. All values are approximate values, and they may differ from lab to lab.

Thyroid Blood Test – Overview of the Test

A complete thyroid blood test panel detects the thyroid hormone metabolism, which also includes central thyroid gland activity and regulation, thyroid hormone production and secretion, peripheral thyroid hormone conversion and Thyroid hormone auto immunity. The test is also used widely to identify the critical imbalances that trigger a broad spectrum of chronic diseases. The unbound T4 and T3 levels are calculated to determine the bio-active portion of the thyroid hormone. This is not only pivotal in determining the hyper and hypo thyroidism, but also, let the doctors understand the subtle sub-clinical manifestations of the thyroid dysfunction like auto-immune reactions, etc. In a nutshell, the blood test reveals T4, T3, anti-TG, anti TPO, ft4/T3, and fT3/ rT3 levels accurately.

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