FREE THYROXINE-FREE T4
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
60 mins collection
Not specified
Reports in
3 hrs
Measures
Amount of free thyroxine (T4) in the blood
Identifies
The Thyroid Function and disorders
About The Test
What Is the Free T4 Test and Why Is It Important?
The Free T4 test is one of the laboratory tests which determine the amount of free thyroxine (T4) that is circulating in the blood. T4 is one of the hormones that is produced and secreted by the thyroid tissue which is gland shaped like a butterfly in the neck region. The thyroid glands have a crucial role in body metabolism as well as in the growth and development of the body. For this purpose, Free T4 test is used in evaluating thyroid function and diagnosing potential thyroid ailments.
This test applies a laboratory method known as immunoassay, which determines the quantity of free T4 found in a person’s blood. The test is as uncomplicated as it is promising, pain-free, and commonplace.
What Exactly is Measured by the Free T4 Test?
A Free T4 test measures the amount of thyroxine (T4) that’s not bound to proteins in the bloodstream. Free T4 is a form of T4 that is bioactive. The test result is given in concentration of free T4, for example, a level of free T4 is measured in pg/dL.
When is the Free T4 test performed?
Generally, Free T4 tests are performed:
- To check on the functioning of the thyroid gland for hyperthyroid (highly active thyroid) or hypothyroid (less active thyroid) symptoms.
- For regular checks for individuals with a history of thyroid disorders or thyroid cancer.
- To screen and detect any possible thyroid diseases like Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- After thyroid hormone replacement therapy to check if treatment was effective.
Does The Free T4 Test carry risks or lacks accuracy in some aspects?
Risks:
- Pain, bleeding and bruising at the needle site while blood is drawn.
- There is a chance of infection occurring at the site where the needle was inserted.
Limitations:
- The test might fail to accurately identify the presence of a thyroid disease for a person suffering from liver or kidney ailments.
- Results may also not be accurate for patients using specific drugs such corticosteroids or phenytoin.
- Patients with thyroid nodules or cancer might also find the test inappropriate.
List of Parameters
What Are the Components in the Free T4 Test?
The Free T4 test involves evaluating the following parameters:
- Free T4 Level (pg/dl)
- Optional: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Level
- Optional: Thyroid Hormone Levels
Why This Test
Who is the Target Population for the Free T4 Test?
Some of the people who may benefit from the Free T4 test include:
- People who have symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, which might show up as weight changes, fatigue, or even mood fluctuations
- People who have a history of thyroid disorders or even thyroid cancer
- People having a genetic predisposition to thyroid disorders
- People who are on medication that need them to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy
Benefits
Positive Outcomes of the Free T4 Test on Your Health.
- To identify cases of abnormal clinical function of the thyroid gland like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
- To follow the activity of the gland as well as revise treatment protocols
- To check the effectiveness of the medication administered in patients receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy
- To screen a population for individuals who may suffer from these disorders in the future.
Which Diseases May Be Detected Using the Free T4 Test?
Those diagnosed with the following conditions can benefit from using the Free T4 test:
- An overactive thyroid gland is termed Hyperthyroidism
- An underactive thyroid gland is termed Hypothyroidism
- Graves' disease
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Thyroid nodules or even thyroid cancer.
Test Preparation
Steps To Follow Before You Take the Free T4 Test
Fasting: Not required
Prerequisites: None
Eligibility: All ages are eligible
Test Procedure: A venipuncture blood draw will be performed.
Caution before taking the test: Notify your healthcare professional if you are on medication and have any medical issues.
Test Results
Free T4 Test Results Analysis
Condition/Findings | Description | Interpretation |
---|---|---|
High Free T4 Level | Elevated free T4 levels may indicate hyperthyroidism or thyroid hormone replacement therapy overdose | Hyperthyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement therapy overdose |
Low Free T4 Level | Decreased free T4 levels may indicate hypothyroidism or thyroid hormone replacement therapy underdose | Hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement therapy underdose |
Normal Free T4 Level | Normal free T4 levels indicate normal thyroid function | Euthyroidism (normal thyroid function) |
FAQs
What do you intend to achieve using the Free T4 test?
The Free T4 test assesses thyroid function and aids in diagnosis of thyroid related disorders.
What is the average time it takes to complete the test?
Usually, the test can be performed within a few minutes.
Is there any possible danger that comes with taking this test?
Like any other test, there are risks involved in this test as well. Some of the risks include a blood draw, infection at the injection site, and coughing.
How would you rate the test in terms of accuracy and reliability?
While the tests are fairly reliable, people suffering from liver or kidney issues or taking specific medications might not receive the same results.
What do you consider to be the normal range values for the Free T4 test?
The normal values for the Free T4 test differ by test measuring and the T4 level but imports range between 0.8 to 1.8 pg/dL.