What is the thyroid function test (TFT)? 

A thyroid profile test is used to check how well the thyroid gland is functioning. It is responsible for producing hormones that are very important for many bodily processes. Abnormal thyroid functions, such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), may lead to a wide range of issues.

What are the other names for the thyroid function test (TFT)? 

The other names are Thyroid profile, Thyroid panel, T3, T4, TSH test, and TFT test.

What test parameters are included in the thyroid function test (TFT)? 

TFT test parameters include: 

1. T3 - Triiodothyronine
2. T4 - Thyroxine
3. TSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

Why Is the TFT Test done?

The TFT or the thyroid function test is done to see if the thyroid gland is working properly or not. The test helps in detecting whether a person has hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. This test is also important when it comes to the diagnosis of thyroid-related disorders and monitoring how a person is responding to the treatment. A physician can ask you to take the thyroid function test if you are showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as nervousness, irritability, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, excessive sweating, heat sensitivity, etc. or if you show the signs of hypothyroidism such as fatigue, weight gain, joint and muscle pain, thinning hair, constipation, etc.

What does a thyroid function test (TFT) measure?

The thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland that is located in front of the neck, secretes the following hormones:

1. Triiodothyronine (T3)
2. Thyroxine (T4)

The thyroid function total test measures the values of the following three hormones in the blood:

1. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH)
2. Thyroxine (T4) - Total
3. Triiodothyronine - Total

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), also called thyrotropin, is a hormone that is secreted into the blood by the pituitary gland (a gland that is present in the brain). It tells the thyroid glands to produce and release the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) into the bloodstream. The thyroid gland uses the iodine gained from food to make thyroid hormones.

These thyroid hormones are very essential for growth and metabolism. If the thyroid gland produces very high levels of T3 and T4 hormones, you can experience symptoms like weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, sweating, anxiety, increased sensitivity to heat, etc., and this is known as hyperthyroidism.

The decrease in the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) results in hypothyroidism, which can lead to weight gain, fatigue, slow heart rate, increased sensitivity to cold, depression, dry and thinned hair, etc.

There is a feedback system in the body to maintain stable levels of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood. When the thyroid hormone values decrease, the pituitary gland is stimulated to release TSH. The high TSH in turn increases the release of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland and vice-versa.

What condition / disease does the TFT test detect?

Thyroid function tests are normally done to check the working conditions of the thyroid gland. While the main purpose of the test is monitoring the gland, it can be helpful to detect the presence of other underlying diseases and health conditions. 

Some of these health conditions include:

1. Type 1 diabetes
2. Addison's disease
3. Coeliac disease
4. Turner syndrome
5. Down's syndrome

Who should get a thyroid function (TFT) test? 

A thyroid function test is recommended in various situations:

1. If you have any signs or symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
2. If you have signs of problems with your pituitary gland
3. If you are taking medicines that can affect your thyroid function, such as amiodarone and lithium
4. If you are pregnant
5. A woman with infertility problems
6. If you are on thyroid medication such as thyroxine, monitor how you are responding to it.

What is the type of sample required? 

The TFT test requires a blood sample.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Free T3, Free T4, Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO), and Thyroglobulin.

What should I expect during my thyroid function test (TFT)?

You may expect to experience the following during the blood test or a blood draw:

1. You can feel the experience the following during the blood test or a blood draw:
2. You have to sit comfortably on the chair, and a healthcare provider will check your arms for an easily accessible vein. This is the inner part of your arm on the other side of your elbow.
3. Once the phlebotomist has located a vein, they will disinfect the area with an alcohol swab.
4. They will insert a needle into your vein to draw a blood sample. This can feel like a small pinch.
5. After the needle is pricked, the required amount of blood will be drawn into a test tube.
6. When they have drawn enough blood for the test, they’ll remove the needle and hold a cotton ball or gauze on the pricked site to stop any bleeding.
7. They will apply a band-aid over the pricked site, and the blood collection is finished.

This process takes less than five minutes.

What should I expect after my thyroid function test (TFT)?

Once the phlebotomist has collected the blood sample, it will be sent to the laboratory for processing or testing. When the report is ready, your healthcare provider will share the results with you.

Are there any preparations needed for the thyroid function test (TFT)?

No special preparations are required for the TFT test, and fasting isn't required. Please ask your doctor if there are any precautions to be taken.

What are the risks of a thyroid function test (TFT)?

These blood tests are common, and they don’t carry significant risks. You might have a slight pain like an ant bite when the needle gets inserted, and a small bruise can develop there.

Limitations of the TFT test (Factors that may affect the results):

While the TFT tests produce mostly accurate results, there are certain conditions or medications that might interfere with the accuracy. Such factors can actually produce inaccurate results after testing. This can actually lead to a lot of issues in diagnosis and treatment. While the Thyroid Function Test is a simple blood test measuring the levels of the thyroid hormones, there are factors such as medication, health, lifestyle, and others that can impact the results.

When can I expect my thyroid function test (TFT) results?

At Orange Health, thyroid function test reports are available within 6 hours.

Thyroid function test normal range: Values range for test result (Low, high & normal by age, gender, condition, etc.)

The normal range of TFT for an average adult is mentioned below: 

1. The normal range of T3 - Triiodothyronine is between 0.970 - 1.69 ng/mL
2. The normal range of T4 -Thyroxine is between 5.53 - 11.0 μg/dL
3. The normal range of TSH - Thyroid stimulating hormone is between 0.465 - 4.68 mIU/L

What do the results of a thyroid function test (TFT) mean? 

These tests are often used to assess thyroid hormone status, including TSH and FT4 tests. The normal levels for a laboratory test are determined by measuring the hormone in a large population of healthy individuals and finding the normal reference range. The normal ranges for thyroid tests can vary slightly among different laboratories, and the typical ranges for common tests are given below.

TSH normal values are 0.465 to 4.68 mIU/L. Pregnancy, a history of thyroid cancer, a history of pituitary gland disease, and old age are some situations when TSH is optimally maintained in a different range as guided by an endocrinologist.

Total T4 and Total T3 levels measure bound and free thyroid hormones in the blood.

A normal total T4 value in adults ranges from 5.53 to 11.0 μg/dL.

A normal total T3 value in adults ranges from 0.97 to 1.69 ng/dL.

What is the cost of a thyroid function test?

Who processes a thyroid function test (TFT)?

A healthcare provider, who is also called a phlebotomist, usually performs blood draws, including those for thyroid function tests, but any healthcare provider trained in drawing blood can perform this task. These samples are sent to a lab where a medical laboratory scientist prepares the samples and performs the tests on analysers or manually.​

Why choose Orange Health?

Orange Health is one of the best and most trusted providers of at-home blood test services. We have a team of qualified lab technicians and pathologists who will ensure that your samples are processed within time and that too with the strictest safety protocols. Hence, there is no doubt about the accuracy of the results. We will make our best efforts to create effective diagnostic services. Visit our website today and book an appointment to get your tests done from the comfort of your home. When it comes to giving better healthcare access to both patients and doctors, there is no better choice than Orange Health. 

​How do I book a thyroid function test (TFT) at home?

Submit your details and book a thyroid function test with Orange Health. Our highly trained, professionals and vaccinated eMedics will be at your doorstep within 60 minutes or at the time booked by you.

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