Sample Type

• 1 mL serum collected in SST

What’s in the Panel?

Within our Comprehensive Thyroid Function Panel we test for : TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone), T3 (Total), T3 (Free), T4 (Total), T4 (Free), and Thyroid Uptake. TSH or Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone test measures TSH which controls the amount of hormones (T4 and T3) that your thyroid makes. Since TSH controls thyroid hormone production, it is used to determine if your thyroid gland is functioning normally. Free T4 (Thyroxine) and Total T3 (Triiodothronine) are the main types of hormone made by the thyroid gland in response to TSH. By measuring the Thyroid Uptake, it gives an assessment of proteins that can bind the hormones as well as the amount of thyroid hormone in both the Free and Total form, this test allows for better assessment of thyroid function. The Comprehensive Thyroid Panel is used for:

• Diagnosing both an overactive thyroid gland (Hyperthyroidism) or an under functioning gland (Hypothyroidism)
• Evaluating a thyroid nodule
• Assessing for Thyroid diseases such as Graves Disease, Thyroid Cancer or Hashimotos disease
• Monitoring ongoing treatment for thyroid disorders
• Screening during pregnancy

Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders are quite common. Common symptoms related to thyroid disorders include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Feeling cold
• Painful joints and muscles
• Dry skin
• Thin and/or dry hair
• Slow heart rate
• Constipation
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Fertility problems

Patient Preparation

• No special preparation needed