Ordering the Basic Thyroid Panel | Thyroid Refresh
The Basic Thyroid Panel | Thyroid Refresh helps check how well your thyroid is working by measuring several hormones and antibodies in your blood. This test can show if your thyroid is making too much or too little hormone, which can affect your energy, weight, and mood. Interestingly, thyroid antibodies can sometimes be present even before symptoms appear, giving early clues about possible thyroid issues.
Ordering this panel gives you a clear picture of your thyroid function and can help your doctor decide if you need treatment or further testing. When you order this test, you get:
- Detailed results for T3 and T4, both free and total, to show how much thyroid hormone is available and active in your body.
- Measurement of thyroid antibodies, which can help spot autoimmune thyroid problems early.
- TSH levels, which help show if your thyroid is underactive or overactive.
- Information that can help explain changes in weight, energy, or mood that might be linked to your thyroid.
- Results that can help track how well thyroid treatment is working if you are already being treated.
Who Might Benefit from Thyroid Function Testing
People who feel tired all the time, notice changes in their weight, or have trouble with mood swings may want to check their thyroid. For example, someone who has been feeling unusually cold, gaining weight without changing their diet, and feeling down might find answers by checking their thyroid hormone levels.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Feeling nervous, shaky, or having a fast heartbeat without a clear reason
- Hair loss or thinning that is not explained by other causes
- Women who have irregular periods or trouble getting pregnant
- Family members with thyroid problems, since thyroid issues can run in families
- People with high cholesterol that does not improve with diet or medicine, as thyroid problems can affect cholesterol levels
Checking your thyroid hormone levels can help explain symptoms like tiredness, weight changes, or mood problems by showing if your thyroid is working as it should. Delaying this test could mean missing early signs of thyroid problems, which may lead to more noticeable symptoms or make treatment take longer to work.
Preparing for Your Thyroid Hormone Panel
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 | Thyroid Refresh
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Measures | Low and High Levels of Basic Thyroid Panel | Thyroid Refresh |
|---|---|---|---|
| T3, Free | 2.3 – 4.2 | T3, Free shows the amount of active thyroid hormone not bound to proteins in your blood. It helps show how much hormone is available for your body to use. |
High levels mean your thyroid may be making too much hormone, which can cause symptoms like nervousness or weight loss.
Low levels mean your thyroid may not be making enough hormone, which can cause tiredness or weight gain. |
| T3, Total | 80 – 200 | T3, Total measures both the hormone attached to proteins and the free hormone in your blood. It helps check for thyroid problems that may not show up with other tests. |
High levels mean your body may be making too much thyroid hormone, which can lead to symptoms like sweating or fast heartbeat.
Low levels mean your body may not be making enough thyroid hormone, which can cause fatigue or dry skin. |
| T4, Free | 0.8 – 1.8 | T4, Free shows the amount of thyroxine hormone that is not attached to proteins and is available for your body to use. It helps spot thyroid problems early. |
High levels mean your thyroid may be overactive, which can cause trouble sleeping or feeling restless.
Low levels mean your thyroid may be underactive, which can cause feeling cold or slow thinking. |
| T4, Total | 4.5 – 12.0 | T4, Total measures all thyroxine hormone in your blood, both attached to proteins and free. It helps give a full picture of thyroid hormone levels. |
High levels mean your thyroid may be making too much hormone, which can cause sweating or weight loss.
Low levels mean your thyroid may not be making enough hormone, which can cause tiredness or weight gain. |
| Thyroid Antibodies | <9 | Thyroid antibodies are proteins made by your immune system that can attack your thyroid. This test helps find autoimmune thyroid problems like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease. |
High levels mean your immune system may be attacking your thyroid, which can lead to thyroid problems.
Low levels mean your immune system is not attacking your thyroid, which is normal. |
| Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | 0.40 – 4.50 | TSH is made by your pituitary gland and tells your thyroid how much hormone to make. It is often the first test checked for thyroid problems. |
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 nervousness or weight loss. |
Reference ranges can change over time. For the most current values, visit the Quest Diagnostics lab test directory.
Basic Thyroid Panel | Thyroid Refresh FAQ
Is there Basic Thyroid Panel | Thyroid Refresh testing near me?
You can find a nearby location for Basic Thyroid Panel | Thyroid Refresh using the patient service center locator, which also lists mobile phlebotomy options. For people who need regular thyroid monitoring or have trouble traveling, having a convenient site makes it easier to get blood drawn and keep track of thyroid changes.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see for the Basic Thyroid Panel | Thyroid Refresh covers everything, 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 pinpoint if your thyroid is 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 starting or changing thyroid treatment. Regular retesting helps track how well your thyroid is responding and if any adjustments are needed.
How accurate is the test?
This panel uses immunoassay and chemiluminescent methods for hormone and antibody measurement, with a specificity of 99% and sensitivity of 98%. All tests at TrueHealthLabs.com are performed by CLIA-certified labs, meeting strict quality and precision standards.
Important Notes
None.
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.
Why Customers Trust True Health Labs – What People are saying
Also rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 3452 ShopperApproved reviews- See all TrueHealthLabs.com reviews.
