Thyroid panel-1 (T3/T4/TSH)

The profile is mainly used to test the thyroid gland functioning. The most common scenarios where thyroid testing is carried out include:

• Cases of suspected hypothyroidism which may present as  fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, muscle weakness, puffy face.
• Cases of suspected hyperthyroidism which may present as unintentional weight loss, rapid heart rate, arrhythmia, palpitation, increase appetite, nervousness, irritability. 
• For monitoring the status in thyroid patients to understand the treatment effectiveness. 

The primary purpose of the profile is to evaluate the thyroid gland's efficiency. Testing is frequently done in the following situations -

1. Suspected hypothyroidism cases can manifest as fatigue, higher susceptibility to colds, colitis, dry patches, excess weight, muscle weakness, and puffiness of the face.
2. Suspected cases of hyperthyroidism, may manifest as inadvertent weight loss, increased hunger, nervousness, or irritability.
3. To track the condition of thyroid patients and determine how well their treatments are working.

Thyroid test measures Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels in the blood. TSH results are the starting point of the diagnostic algorithm, the results show diurnal variation (test should be done at the same time of the day during follow-ups). T4 is the second part of the algorithm and is evaluated if results of TSH are abnormal. T3 estimations are useful in some cases where T4 is normal.

Thyroid test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

A blood sample is required for this test. On the upper arm, a tourniquet (elastic band) is firmly fastened. A fist is then requested from the patient. This aids in the veins' filling up with blood. Before inserting the needle, the skin is cleaned. A vacutainer is used to collect the blood sample. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Results of TSH in combination of T4 are often used to diagnose primary and secondary causes of hypo & hyperthyroidism.
TSH high: T4 low (primary hypothyroidism), T4 high (secondary hyperthyroidism)
TSH low: T4 low (secondary hypothyroidism), T4 high (primary hyperthyroidism)
 

Those who are taking thyroid drugs should take them on the test day at the exact time. The dosage should also be as per what the doctor has advised. It should not be kept around for the exam.

Hypothyroidism is when excessively low thyroid gland activity causes metabolic abnormalities in adults and children. It also causes a slowdown in growth and cognitive development in children

In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is overactive. This causes a rapid heart rate and a faster metabolism.

The most typical cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition. Your thyroid is attacked by this illness. This causes it to produce an excessive amount of thyroid hormone.

The most typical cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune illness. It is known as Hashimoto's disease. Your thyroid is attacked by this illness by your immune system. Thyroid inflammation prevents the thyroid from producing enough thyroid hormones.

If you exhibit signs of a hyperactive or underactive thyroid, your doctor will typically check your TSH level to see if it is within the normal range. If you are on hormone therapy for a thyroid issue, you might also need to go for routine TSH or T4 blood tests.

Thyroid Profile Total Test

Thyroid Function Test

Triiodothyronine (T3) Test

Thyroxine (T4) Test

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test