THYROID PANEL
What is it?The thyroid panel tests for TSH, T3 Uptake, T4 Total, and FTI to help evaluate thyroid gland function and to help diagnose thyroid disorders. The tests included in a thyroid panel measure the amount of thyroid hormones in your blood. These hormones are chemical substances that travel through the bloodstream and control or regulate your body’s metabolism—how it functions and uses energy.
Why do I need it?TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and is part of the body’s feedback system to maintain stable amounts of the thyroid hormones T4 and T3 in the blood. When concentrations fluctuate in the blood, the pituitary is stimulated to release more or less TSH. The TSH in turn stimulates the increased or decreased production and release of T4 and T3. When the system is functioning normally, thyroid production turns on and off to maintain constant blood thyroid hormone levels.
What do I do with the results?If your results are ‘abnormal’ or ‘out-of-range’ from the normal, please contact a health care provider. The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed nurse practitioner or physician.