It is a butterfly-shaped (endocrine) gland that is located in the lower front of the person’s neck.
Introduction of Thyroid Gland
It is a butterfly-shaped (endocrine) gland that is located in the lower front of the person’s neck.
What is the Function of the Thyroid Gland?
T4: Thyroxine, also known as T4, is considered to be the major hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It has four iodine atoms.
T3: To put forth the effects, T4 is further converted to the Triiodothyronine (T3) by the deletion of one iodine atom.
Process: This process mainly occurs in liver and also in definite tissues where T3 will act, example: brain.
While, the quantity of T4 created by the thyroid gland is controlled by thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH.
The quantity of TSH that the pituitary gland ends up sending to the bloodstream follows a feedback mechanism:
Eg. If there is less amount T4, then the pituitary gland will produce more TSH sp that more T4 is produced and vice versa.
Use of Thyroid Gland
In general the thyroid hormones help body use maximum energy, stay warm (Homeostasis) and keep brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working in a systematic fashion.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disorder
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Puffy Skin or Dry Skin
- Loss of Hair
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Hand Tremors
- Increases Heart Rate
- Weakness followed by fatigue
- Heat or Cold Sensitivity
Tests to Evaluate Thyroid Function
Thyroid Profile test: In general, the blood tests are the best way to measure the level of these the tests available to evaluate the thyroid function include the following:
- TSH TESTS
Changes in TSH often serve as “early warning system” - that means that it often occurs even before actual level of the thyroid hormones in the body become either too high or too low.
- Low Level (primary hypothyroidism): A high level of TSH indicates that the thyroid gland is unable to produce adequate thyroid hormone.
Note: There might be an anomaly that prevents TSH stimulating thyroid, this is called secondary hypothyroidism)
- High Level: A High level of TSH indicates that thyroid gland is producing excess thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism).
- Normal TSH value: In healthy individuals, normal TSH value indicates proper thyroid function
T4 TESTS
As T4 is the major form of thyroid hormone that is circulating in blood. A Total T4 gives an estimate of both -bound and the free hormone
It is seen that a free T4 (FT4) or the free T4 index (FTI) would more accurately reflect on how the thyroid gland functions when checked along with TSH.
T3 TESTS
T3 helps in diagnosis of hyperthyroidism to determine the severity of hyperthyroidism.
Patients who have hyperthyroid would have an elevated level of T3
Normal Range of Thyroid Hormone in a Healthy Individual
|
Thyroid Test |
Normal Values |
Change from normal range |
|
TSH |
0.5 to 5.0 mIU/L |
Pregnancy, thyroid cancer current/past, pituitary gland disease history, older age |
|
FT4 |
0.7 to 1.9ng/dL |
The medications that might modify the thyroid hormone metabolism or patients with history of thyroid cancer or any pituitary disease |
|
T4 |
5.0 to 12.0μg/dL |
Any medications, the sex hormones, and the liver disease |
|
T3 |
80-220 ng/dL |
Any medications, the sex hormones, and the liver disease |
Guidelines to follow before, during and after the test
Here are some guidelines an individual can refer to once they have decided to undergo a Thyroid Profile or Thyroid Function Test
The required documents needed for this test includes your valid government ID and an appropriate Doctor’s prescription.
Before the test
- Nothing Specific to prepare for the thyroid function tests in advance.
- Fasting: If a healthcare provider has ordered different and other blood tests to be done simultaneously, then fasting may be required.
Otherwise, there are no specific directions before the test is done.
During the Test
When blood is drawn, it is called “venipuncture”
- At the test center, you would be requested to sit comfortably on the chair or even lie down on the cot.
- In case of long sleeve clothing, roll up sleeve of one end or remove the arm from the sleeve of the clothing.
- A healthcare provider, or a technician/nurse, would tie band of the rubber tightly on your upper arm.
- Once an appropriate vein is found, a needle is inserted below the skin to take the sample.
A short sharp prick may be felt when needle puncture is made under the skin, to collect the blood sample.
After the test
- After the blood is withdrawn, the respective technician/ healthcare professional would withdraw the needle.
- Place pressure on puncture wound to stop the bleeding. A small bandage may also be put on the wound.
- You would be able to return on your usual routine immediately.
Visit the Nearest Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
It is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
Test report is available digitally too.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate Test/Digital Thyroid Function Test.
You will receive the report within 24 hours after the test.
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INR 2380INR 1190 - Anti thyroid Antibodies Profile:
INR 2500INR 1250 - GDIC Thyroid Profile Total Package:
INR 870INR 348 - Congenital Hypothyroidism Confirmatory Panel Serum Test:
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INR 1600INR 800 - Medullary Thyroid Cancer:
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FAQ’s on Comprehensive Guide on Thyroid Function Test
What is a Thyroid Profile test?
Many healthcare providers use the Thyroid Profile Test to understand the working of the gland.
It measures the following:
- TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
- T3 and T4
- Thyroid Antibodies Test
What is Thyroid Antibodies Test?
This measures the number of lymphocytes that are produced against thyroid
(Thyroid autoimmunity) and these lymphocytes also make antibodies against these thyroid cell proteins.
There are 2 commonantibodies: Thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroglobulin antibody.
It helps the positive anti-thyroid peroxidase or anti-thyroglobulin antibodies in anindividual with hypothyroidism, resulting in the diagnosisof Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
What is Graves’ disease?
It is seen that it a different antibody,might either be positive in the patient with hyperthyroidism,called - Stimulatory TSH receptor antibody (TSI).
This antibody generally causesthe thyroid gland to be overactive. This condition is Graves Disease.
In patients suffering from Graves’s disease, the healthcare professional may order the test called: thyrotrophic receptor antibody test (TSHR or TRAb),which detects both the stimulating and the blocking antibodies.
Following the antibody levels in the patient suffering from Graves’ disease helps to assess whether there is an appropriate response to the treatment of hyperthyroidism, to understand when it is suitable to put an end toany thyroid medication, further to alsoreview the risk of antibodies that might be passedto the fetus during the patient’s pregnancy.
What is Hashimotos Disease? And what is the cause of thedisease?
Hashimoto disease is defined as a common thyroid gland disorder. It is an auto-immune disease, it slowly and gradually starts destroying its own cells as it progresses.
Other names: Chronic thyroiditis
Age: Usually occurs at any age
Predisposition: Middle-aged women are predisposed to the condition.
It can occur at any age but is most often seen in middle-aged women.
It is also seen as hereditary and usually runs in the family
The disease usually begins slowly. However, It may often take several months or years for the detection of the condition and for lower-than-normal thyroid hormone
Can I get a Thyroid test done without blood tests?
Non-Blood Tests:
Radioactive Iodine Uptake
It is important to note that asthe T4 contains the element iodine, the thyroid gland must be able to pull a modest amount of iodine from the bloodstream in order to make an appropriate amount of T4. The thyroid has an active mechanism for this. The radioactive uptake of iodinecan be tracked where the iodine goes. By determining the amount of particle emission and radioactivity taken up by he the gland (this is also called radioactive iodine uptake, or RAIU)
High RAIU: The high value of the RAIU is perceived in individuals when the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism)
Low RAIU: The low value of the RAIU is perceived in individuals when the thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism).
Thyroid Nodules brochure: When in addition to the uptake of radioactive iodine, a thyroid scan shows a picture of the thyroid gland. It also reveals which part of the thyroid has taken up iodine
Can I take the test if I am pregnant?
Before you get the blood drawn for checking your thyroid level, talk with the respective healthcare professionalregarding any medications you might be taking. Also, let them know about your pregnancy.
As stated, there are certain types of medications that you take while pregnant. This might influence the test results.
Do I need to fast before the test?
Usually, there is no fasting needed before the thyroid test.
However, if you need to undergo other health-related tests along with the thyroid hormone levels test, you would be asked to fast overnight or for 8-10 hours.
Should I stop my medications before the test? What all medicines interfere with Thyroid Function Testing?
There are some medications that might affect thyroid function testing. Some of the common examples include the following:
- Estrogens, - Birth control pills, or during pregnancy, cause high levels of the total T4 and T3 level
- Biotin, This supplement causes the measurement of some thyroid function tests to appear abnormal, even when the level is normal in the blood.
- Note: It is advised that Biotin is not consumed 2 days before the test is carried out
Note from Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center
Early checkups are always better than delayed ones. Safety, precaution & care is depicted in the several health checkups at our center.
Here, at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imagining Center, we present simple & comprehensive health packages for any kind of testing to ensure the early prescribed treatment to safeguard your health.
So, visit us at the earliest to ensure good health and to maintain an active immune system.
