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Home›Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH)
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Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH)

Also known as Thyroid Function Test-Free
Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) Includes 3 testsView All
₹599₹1010 40% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. It is advisable to stop multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7) for at least 2 days before the test.
  2. You need not stop taking your thyroid medications on the day of the test unless otherwise advised by the doctor.

Understanding Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH)

What is Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH)?

A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) test offers a series of blood tests that measure the levels of free form of thyroid hormones in the blood. This test is used to identify the functioning of the thyroid gland and measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3).

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in the neck that produces hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are responsible for regulating metabolism and other bodily functions. The production and release of these hormones are controlled by the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland. FT4 and FT3 represent the free or unbound and active forms of thyroxine and triiodothyronine, respectively. It reflects the amount of available thyroid hormone circulating in the blood.

A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) test is used to assess how well your thyroid gland is working and aid in the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders, such as an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Your doctor may advise this test if you show symptoms suggestive of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, nervousness, irritability, increased sweating, and rapid heartbeat, or hypothyroidism, such as weight gain, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation, and dry skin. It is also important for pregnant women to have healthy amounts of thyroid hormones to ensure the healthy development of their babies. Therefore, screening with a TFT-Free test may be recommended for pregnant women.

No special preparations are needed for the tests of this package. Usually, you do not need to stop taking your thyroid medication before taking this test. However, let your doctor know about all your medications, as some can affect thyroid function. Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a commonly accepted over-the-counter supplement that can lead to some aberrancy in your thyroid function test results even when the values are normal. Therefore, avoid taking biotin two days before this test.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. The test results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What is Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) used for?

A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package is done:

  • As part of routine health checkups to monitor your overall health.
  • To evaluate symptoms that can be caused by an imbalance in thyroid hormone levels, such as fatigue, weight loss/gain, hair loss, changes to heart rate, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold.
  • To diagnose and monitor the treatment of any suspected thyroid disease, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Grave’s disease, thyroiditis, or Hashimoto’s disease.
  • To detect an underactive thyroid gland in newborn babies.
  • To evaluate and monitor treatments of other disorders, such as thyroid nodules and pituitary or hypothalamus gland disorders.
  • To investigate the cause of infertility.

What does Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) measure?

Contains 3 tests

Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) are thyroid hormones that help regulate metabolism and energy levels. On the other hand, the pituitary gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4 hormones. T3 and T4 circulate in the blood in two forms: bound (attached to proteins) and free (does not attach to any protein). A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) test measures the free or active form of these hormones.

The serum levels of the thyroid hormones and TSH have an inverse relationship, i.e., low T4 and T3 (as observed in hypothyroidism) and high T4 and T3 (as seen in hyperthyroidism) levels are associated with high and low TSH levels, respectively.

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TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive

A TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive test measures the levels of TSH hormone in the blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland located in the brain. Its function is to stimulate and regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland. It signals the thyroid gland to increase or decrease the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 (essential for regulating our body’s metabolism, temperature, heart rate, and growth) when their levels are low or high, respectively. Therefore, when the levels of T3 & T4 decrease, the pituitary gland is stimulated to release TSH. This high TSH level, in turn, stimulates the thyroid gland to release more thyroid hormones (T3 & T4); the vice-versa happens when the levels of thyroid hormones increase.

Know more about TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ultrasensitive

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Thyroxine - Free

A Thyroxine - Free test measures the free form of thyroxine (T4) hormone made by the thyroid gland. T4 hormone exists in the blood in two forms: bound (attached to proteins) and free (not attached to proteins). Most of the T4 hormone circulating in the blood is bound to proteins and only a small part is free. A delicate balance of bound and free T4 should be maintained to ensure the proper functioning of the body.

Know more about Thyroxine - Free

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Triiodothyronine Free

A Triiodothyronine Free test measures the levels of free triiodothyronine (T3), a hormone that is produced by the thyroid gland. T3 hormone plays an important role in regulating the body's metabolism, energy levels, and growth & development. It exists in the blood in two forms: free T3 and bound T3. Only a small portion of T3 is in the free form (not bound to proteins) and can be utilized by the body’s tissues, whereas more than 99% T3 is bound to proteins, such as albumin and thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), which prevent it from entering into the tissues. The body maintains a balance between bound and free T3 to ensure proper functioning. 

Know more about Triiodothyronine Free

Interpreting Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) results

Interpretations

  • Low T4 and T3, along with a high TSH level, indicate hypothyroidism. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto thyroiditis.

  • High T4 and T3, along with low TSH, indicate hyperthyroidism. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease.

  • Normal thyroxine T4 and T3, along with high TSH, usually indicates mild or subclinical hypothyroidism.

  • Normal T3 and T4, along with low TSH, indicate mild or subclinical hyperthyroidism.

Note: TSH levels show circadian variation (fluctuates during the 24-hour cycle), reaching peak levels between 2 - 4 am and low levels between 6-10 pm.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH)

Frequently Asked Questions about Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH)

Q. What is the full form of T3, T4, and TSH?

T3 is the triiodothyronine hormone, T4 is the thyroxine hormone, and TSH is the thyroid-stimulating hormone.

Q. What does a Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package measure?

A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package measures the levels of three hormones in the blood: Free T3, Free T4, and TSH. T3 and T4 thyroid hormones aid in regulating metabolism and energy levels in the body. On the other hand, TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and encourages the production of T3 and T4 hormones by the thyroid gland.

Q. What is the relation between T3, T4, and TSH?

The relationship between T3, T4, and TSH can be summarized as follows: a). When the body needs more thyroid hormones because of low T3 and T4 levels, the pituitary gland releases more TSH. b). Elevated TSH levels signal the thyroid gland to produce more T4. c). T4 is then converted into T3 in peripheral tissues to exert metabolic effects. d). When sufficient T3 and T4 levels are in the bloodstream, this signals the pituitary gland to reduce the release of TSH, thus creating a feedback loop that regulates thyroid hormone production. This feedback loop helps to maintain a balance of thyroid hormones in the body, ensuring that metabolic processes are adequately controlled and that energy production, body temperature, and other essential functions remain within a normal range. Any imbalance in this feedback loop can lead to thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Q. Why is a Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package performed?

A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package helps evaluate the functioning of the thyroid gland and diagnose or monitor thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). This package can help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis, determine appropriate treatment, and monitor the effectiveness of the treatment over time.

Q. What is the procedure of sample collection for a Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package?

A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package requires a blood sample for testing. A well-trained phlebotomist (a professional who draws blood) cleans the skin with an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe before drawing blood from a vein with a needle. The blood sample is then safely preserved and delivered to the laboratory for processing.

Q. Is fasting required before a Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package?

No, fasting is not needed for this package. However, your doctor will guide you if any special preparation is required.

Q. Can I take a Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package during pregnancy?

A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package, along with other tests, is usually recommended during pregnancy to measure the levels of thyroid hormones, as thyroid disorders can complicate pregnancy.

Q. Is there any risk associated with a Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package?

There is generally no risk associated with this package. However, as a needle is used to prick and take a blood sample, rarely, you may experience bleeding, swelling, or blood collection under the skin, which is usually self-limiting.

Q. What are some of the common symptoms of thyroid disorders?

Symptoms of thyroid disorders can vary depending on whether the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, nervousness, irritability, increased sweating, and rapid heartbeat. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation, and dry skin.

Q. Which foods/nutrients can adversely affect my thyroid gland?

The foods/nutrients that are harmful to the thyroid gland include soy foods, such as tofu; certain vegetables, like cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and spinach; fruits and starchy plants, such as sweet potatoes, peaches, and strawberries; and nuts and seeds, like millet, peanuts, pine nuts, etc.

Q. What additional tests can be performed along with a Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package?

Several additional tests can be performed along with a Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package. These tests include a thyroid antibodies test that helps to diagnose autoimmune thyroid disease and distinguish it from other conditions of the thyroid such as Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, calcitonin test that analyzes C-cell hyperplasia, and medullary thyroid cancer, thyroglobulin test that primarily monitors the treatment and recurrence of thyroid cancer, and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) test that evaluates the patients with abnormal levels of T3 and T4. A Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) package requires a blood sample for testing. A well-trained phlebotomist (a professional who draws blood) cleans the skin with an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe before drawing blood from a vein with a needle. The blood sample is then safely preserved and delivered to the laboratory for processing.
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Thyroid Profile Free (FT3, FT4 & TSH) test price for other cities

Price inBangaloreRs. 599
Price inMumbaiRs. 599
Price inGurgaonRs. 599
Price inKolkataRs. 599
Price inHyderabadRs. 599
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