A thyroid panel, also known as a thyroid function test, is a group of blood tests that evaluate the function of your thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development.
A typical thyroid panel may include the following tests:
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH):
TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. TSH levels are often the first test performed in a thyroid panel and can help assess overall thyroid function. Abnormal TSH levels can indicate an underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism) thyroid.
Free thyroxine (FT4):
FT4 is a measurement of the hormone thyroxine (T4) that is not bound to proteins in the blood. It provides an assessment of the active form of thyroid hormone available to the body. Abnormal FT4 levels can indicate thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Total or Free triiodothyronine (T3):
T3 is another thyroid hormone that plays a role in regulating metabolism. Total T3 measures the total amount of T3 in the blood, while free T3 measures the unbound, active form of T3. T3 levels are often measured in conjunction with other thyroid tests to provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
Thyroid antibodies:
Thyroid antibodies are markers of autoimmune thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease. The two common types of thyroid antibodies tested are thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb). Positive results for these antibodies indicate an autoimmune thyroid condition.
Depending on the specific needs of the patient and the healthcare provider's discretion, additional tests may be included in the thyroid panel. These can include reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) to assess thyroid hormone conversion, thyroglobulin (TG) levels for monitoring thyroid cancer, or other specialized tests as necessary.
It's important to note that the specific tests included in a thyroid panel may vary depending on the laboratory and healthcare provider. Therefore, it's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and interpretation of thyroid function tests.
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