Thyroid Analysis

The Thyroid Analysis panel provides a comprehensive analysis of thyroid hormone metabolism. It includes central thyroid gland regulation and activity, thyroid production and secretion, peripheral thyroid conversion, and thyroid autoimmunity. This test analyzes serum levels of TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, anti-TG antibodies, and anti-TPO antibodies to assess central and peripheral thyroid function, as well as thyroid auto-immunity.

Why this test is important:

Millions of Americans suffer from thyroid disorders, yet many are undiagnosed because symptoms can be vague and attributed to other disorders, and many doctors are not thoroughly testing patients. Common symptoms include weight gain or sudden weight loss, fatigue, depression, dry skin, a constant feeling of cold or recurring warm or sweaty feeling, increased heart rate, low sex drive, muscle and joint pain, and constipation or diarrhea.

You should strongly consider testing if:

• You are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above
• You have a family history of thyroid problems
• You have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, pituitary or endocrine disorders
• You are a woman in or near menopause, or are pregnant or just had a baby (since proper T3 and T4 levels are essential to brain development in the early years of a child’s life)

Test includes:

• TSH, FTI, T3 Up, T4 Total
• T4, Free
• T3, Total
• TPO, ab
• Thyroglobulin Ab
• TBG
• T3, Free
• T3, Reverse

Test descriptions:

TSH, FTI, T3 Up, T4 Total

The Thyroid function test is helpful in the evaluation of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, used with thyroxine (T4) or equivalent to provide free T4 index (FTI). An indirect measure of binding protein, the T3 uptake reflects available binding sites (ie, reflects TBG). T3 uptake is not a measurement of serum T3. It should never be used alone; rather, its usual application is use with thyroxine (T4).

T4, Free

Thyroxine (T4) Free tests are used to help evaluate thyroid function and diagnose thyroid diseases, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Test is usually ordered after discovering that the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level is abnormal.

T3, Total

Tri-iodothyronine (T3) Total test is used to evaluate thyriod functions and to help diagnose hyperthyroidism. The Total T3 can be affected by protein levels and protein binding ability, but the free T3 is not.

TPO, ab

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme normally found in the thyroid gland and plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormones. A Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) test detects antibodies against TPO in the blood.

Thyroglobulin Ab

Thyroglobulin Ab is used to check blood levels of antibodies the body has made against thyroglobulin, indicating autoimmune thyroiditis, or Hashimoto thyroiditis.

TBG

Thyroxine-Binding Globulin (TBG) is produced in the liver and is a circulating protein that reversibly binds thyroid hormones, (T3) and (T4) and carries them in the bloodstream. A Thyroxine-Binding Globulin (TBG) test measures the protein in the blood and can be useful for evaluating thyroid function.

TSH, FTI, T3 Up, T4 Total

The Thyroid function test is helpful in the evaluation of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, used with thyroxine (T4) or equivalent to provide free T4 index (FTI). An indirect measure of binding protein, the T3 uptake reflects available binding sites (ie, reflects TBG). T3 uptake is not a measurement of serum T3. It should never be used alone; rather, its usual application is use with thyroxine (T4).

T3, Free

A Tri-iodothyronine (T3) Free test is used to evaluate thyroid functions and to help diagnose hyperthyroidism. The T3 test is usually ordered following an abnormal TSH and T4 test.

T3, Reverse

Reverse Tri-iodothyronine (RT3) is a biologically inactive form of T3. Normally, when the liver converts T4 to T3, it also produces a certain percentage of RT3. A Reverse T3 test is used to evaluate thyroid functions and hyperthyroidism.

Test Type:

Blood test*

This test requires blood work. You’ll receive an email within 24-48 hours with a lab requisition form and necessary instructions. Take this to a local LabCorp Patient Service Center to have your blood drawn.

Please note:

All tests are authorized and reviewed by a physician from our partner laboratory.

Results:

Your results will be emailed to you 3-5 business days from receipt. You will also receive a brief analysis of your test results with general recommendations from a Village Green licensed nutritionist.

Questions?

Email a Village Green nutritionist or call 800-869-9159.

*Blood testing services are available only in the continental United States and Anchorage, AK. Not available in New York or New Jersey.