Thyroid Function Test : Procedure, Normal ranges
In this blog, we learn about thyroid function test. It is very important and interesting topic. We learn this topic in below format.
- Why to test?
- Thyroid gland function
- Thyroid gland disturbance
- How to check thyroid function test
- Understanding of thyroid report
- Normal values of thyroid test
WHY TO TEST?
It is simple blood report to check thyroid gland function, to diagnose thyroid disorder or to monitor treatment of thyroid disorder.
THYROID GLAND FUNCTIONS
The thyroid gland is a small gland located in the lower front part of neck. This gland releases hormones which is helpful in regulate nutrition, many systems & much more as mention below.
- It helps in metabolism of
Protein, vitamin, fat, carbohydrate. - It maintain the function of below systems
Central nervous system (brain), cardiovascular system (heart), respiratory system, Gastrointestinal system, blood, sexual, skeletan muscle. - It also maintains
Body weight, body growth, body temperature, our besal metabolic rate (BMR).
So, you can think that what happen when this gland disturbed. Thyroid gland releases two hormones named T3 (triiodothronine) & T4 (thyroxine). While disturbance to this gland either these hormones level increases or decreases.
THYROID GLAND DISTURBANCE
If hormone level increases, it is called hyperthyroidism. In this conditions symptoms seen like marked weight loss, tremors of hand, diarrhoea, increase heart rate, etc.
If hormone level decreases, it is called hypothyroidism. In this condition symptoms seen like weight gain, constipation, decrease heart rate, etc.
HOW TO CHECK THYROID FUNCTION TEST?
It simply checked by taking blood from your vein. Procedure is very simple, there is no test preparation needed for that.
If you are on any medication than you should inform your doctor because certain medicines, vitamins and supplement can interfere with thyroid testing.
If you are taking thyroid treatment and want to do thyroid test than blood sample should be take before you took your dose for that day.
UNDERSTANDING OF THYROID REPORT
Thyroid report is helpful to check thyroid gland function & to diagnose thyroid disorder.
It includes
- T3 – triiodothyronine
- T4 – thyroxine
- TSH – thyroid stimulating hormone
Thyroid gland secrete two hormones: T3 & T4
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TSH is hormone releases from anterior pituitary gland. Name “thyroid stimulating hormone” itself suggest that it is stimulating thyroid gland when required.
When T3 and T4 hormone level decreases, it means that thyroid gland function is low. It is called hypothyroidism. At same time TSH hormone increases to improve function of thyroid gland in hypothyroidism. When we find TSH value higher than normal, we can suspect hypothyroidism.
When T3 and T4 hormone level increases, it means thyroid gland is overactive. It is called hyperthyroidism. At same time TSH hormone decreases because there is no need of stimulation of thyroid gland. When we find TSH value lower than normal, we can suspect hyperthyroidism.
NORMAL VALUES OF THYROID TEST
| T3 (triiodothyronine) | 0.6 to 1.81 ng/ml |
| T4 (thyroxine) | 4.5 to 12.6 ug/dl |
| TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) | 0.55 to 4.78 uIU/ml |
Normal range may be slightly different from lab to lab. Because there are many guidelines given by different countries & everyone is not following same guideline.
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