Thyroid: Meaning

The thyroid is a gland which is present in front of the throat over the Adam´s apple. It produces hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland is stimulated by a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) produced in the pituitary gland. T3 and T4 together are vital almost all the important functions of the most vital organs. TFT test means thyroid function test that measures the levels of these three hormones in the blood.

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Causes & symptoms of Thyroid

​TFT blood test can help in diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction. Causes of thyroid dysfunction:

- Infection (thyroiditis)

- Iodine deficiency or excess iodine

- Postpartum thyroiditis

- Auto immune disorders (Hashimoto´s thyroiditis and Grave´s disease)

- Thyroid cancer

- Pituitary gland dysfunction

- Thyroid nodules

Meaning of Thyroid Function Test

TFT means thyroid function test. This is a blood test which measures the level of thyroid hormones T3, T4 and the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TFT lab test tells us how well the thyroid gland is working.

Reason/when to take the Thyroid Function Test (TFT)

A thyroid profile test is recommended which is more extensive and thorough to assess the thyroid gland function. TFT profile test may be ordered if:

- Showing any signs of thyroid gland dysfunction

- To monitor an already existing thyroid disease

- To adjust dosage of thyroid medication

- As a part of health insurance package/ work requirement

- If you have family history of thyroid gland dysfunction

- Infertility

Parameters

The parameters tested in a TFT are:

- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test

- Thyroxine (T4) Test

- Triiodothyronine (T3) Test

Understanding the Thyroid Function Test Result

Interpretation of all laboratory results must be done by qualified medical personnel only. However, you can understand your TFT results with some simple guidelines.

- Lower than normal levels of thyroid hormones suggest the thyroid gland is functioning less than optimum. It means hypothyroidism.

- Higher than normal levels suggest the thyroid gland is working in overdrive. It means hyperthyroidism.

- Levels of TSH are usually opposite of the thyroid hormone levels.

For example, high TSH means hypothyroidism while low TSH means hyperthyroidism. This is because when the thyroid is not functioning at its thyroid function test normal value, the pituitary starts producing more TSH to stimulate the thyroid to function at its full capacity.

Conditions/disease detected in TFT

TFT can detect thyroid gland dysfunction by detecting the following:

- Hyperthyroidism—above normal activity of the thyroid

- Hypothyroidism—below normal activity of the thyroid gland

- Thyroiditis—infection and inflammation of the thyroid gland causing altered levels of thyroid hormones

Additional tests like thyroglobulin test and thyroid peroxidase antibodies test might be ordered by the doctor along with the TFT to detect conditions which might be causing the hypo or hyperthyroidism - Hashimoto`s thyroiditis, Grave´s disease, etc.

Preparations required for Thyroid Function Test

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.

Risks and limitations of Thyroid Function Test

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.

What is the cost of a thyroid function test?

Booking at home TFT test with Orange Health Labs across cities

Keeping a check on your thyroid function has never been easier. Now you can book a TFT test with Orange Health through our app or online. We offer services in almost all major cities across India. Just log into your account on our website and fill in your address. Our trained and vaccinated eMedics (phlebotomist) will collect the sample from your home/ office within one hour of booking. The results of your TFT lab Test, including your thyroid normal report, can be sent to you via WhatsApp or by email.