Ordering the Basic Thyroid Panel
The Basic Thyroid Panel helps check how well your thyroid is working by measuring key hormones in your blood. This test can help find out if your thyroid is making too much or too little hormone, which can affect your energy, weight, and how your body uses food. Interestingly, changes in thyroid hormone levels can sometimes show up before you notice any symptoms, making early testing helpful for spotting issues sooner.
Ordering this panel gives you a clear look at your thyroid hormone levels and how they interact. When you order, you can expect these specific benefits:
- Detects both underactive and overactive thyroid function before symptoms become noticeable.
- Helps explain unexplained weight changes by checking hormone levels.
- Supports your doctor in adjusting thyroid medication if you are already being treated.
- Monitors thyroid function if you have a family history of thyroid problems.
- Assists in finding the cause of tiredness, hair loss, or changes in skin texture.
Who Should Consider Thyroid Hormone Screening
People who feel tired all the time, have trouble losing or gaining weight, or notice changes in their hair or skin may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has been feeling unusually cold, even in warm weather, and has noticed their hair thinning might find answers by checking their thyroid hormone levels.
Ordering this panel may also be helpful in these situations:
- Someone with a family member who has thyroid disease.
- People who have had recent changes in mood or memory.
- Those who have noticed swelling in the neck area.
- Women experiencing irregular periods or fertility issues.
- Someone who has high cholesterol that does not improve with diet or exercise, as thyroid issues can affect cholesterol levels.
Testing can help pinpoint the reason for symptoms like tiredness, weight changes, or skin and hair changes by measuring thyroid hormone levels. Delaying this test could mean missing early signs of thyroid imbalance, which may lead to more noticeable symptoms or make it harder to manage hormone levels later.
Preparing for Thyroid Function Testing
Fasting is not needed for this test, so you can eat and drink as usual before your blood draw. Always follow any special instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your results are as helpful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Basic Thyroid Panel
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Measures | Low and High Levels of Basic Thyroid Panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total T4 | 4.5 – 12.0 | Total T4, or thyroxine, shows the total amount of thyroid hormone in your blood, including both the part that is active and the part that is not. This helps check if your thyroid is making the right amount of hormone. |
High levels mean your thyroid may be overactive, which can cause fast heartbeat, sweating, or weight loss.
Low levels mean your thyroid may be underactive, which can lead to tiredness, weight gain, or feeling cold. |
| T3 Uptake | 24 – 39 | T3 Uptake measures how much of a certain protein is available to carry thyroid hormones in your blood. It helps your doctor understand how much hormone is free to work in your body. |
High levels mean there is less protein to carry thyroid hormones, which can happen with high thyroid hormone or low protein levels.
Low levels mean there is more protein available, which can be seen with low thyroid hormone or high protein levels. |
| Free Thyroxine Index (T4)(FTI) | 1.0 – 4.0 | The Free Thyroxine Index combines your Total T4 and T3 Uptake results to estimate the amount of active thyroid hormone in your blood. This helps show how much hormone is available for your body to use. |
High levels mean your body has more active thyroid hormone, which can cause symptoms like nervousness or trouble sleeping.
Low levels mean there is less active thyroid hormone, which can cause tiredness or slow thinking. |
| Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | 0.40 – 4.50 | TSH is made by your pituitary gland and tells your thyroid how much hormone to make. This test helps find out if your thyroid is working too hard or not hard enough. |
High levels mean your thyroid may not be making enough hormone, which can cause tiredness or weight gain.
Low levels mean your thyroid may be making too much hormone, which can cause fast heartbeat or weight loss. |
Reference ranges can change over time. For the most current values, visit the Quest Diagnostics lab test directory.
Basic Thyroid Panel FAQ
Is there Basic Thyroid Panel testing near me?
You can find a nearby location for Basic Thyroid Panel blood draws using the patient service center locator, which also lists mobile phlebotomy options. This makes it easier to get tested if you have symptoms like tiredness or weight changes and need a convenient place for sample collection.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see for the Basic Thyroid Panel includes all fees, including the blood draw at a patient service center. Ordering this test is worth it if you have unexplained tiredness or weight changes, as it can help find the cause.
How often should I retest?
Most people retest every 6 to 12 months, or as recommended by their doctor, especially if they are monitoring thyroid medication or have had abnormal results. Regular retesting helps track changes in hormone levels and supports better management of thyroid function.
How accurate is the test?
The Basic Thyroid Panel uses immunoassay and chemiluminescent methods for hormone measurement, with a specificity of 99% and sensitivity of 98%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- This test cannot be collected in NY, NJ, MA, and RI. Contact us with questions.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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