OVERVIEW
WHAT IS THYROID COMPLETE PROFILE LAB TEST?
Thyroid Complete Profile Lab Test consists of a panel which includes tests for:
TSH ( Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
T3 ( Thyroxine)
T4 ( Triiodothyronine)
WHY IS THYROID COMPLETE PROFILE LAB TEST DONE?
Thyroid complete profile test is done to give knowledge how well the Thyroid gland is working in the body. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is a hormone that is a pituitary hormone that stimulates Thyroid gland.
THYROID GLAND: The thyroid is a small gland located in the lower-front part of your neck. It plays important role in performing many functions of the body, which mainly includes metabolic activities, body temperature, muscle strength, energy production and maintaining the mood.
PITUITARY GLAND: It is a gland which is present in the base of the skull and is responsible in production of many hormones including Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.
Two main hormones are produced by your Thyroid Gland stimulated by Thyroid stimulating Hormone:
- T3 (Triiodothyronine)
- T4 ( Thyroxine)
Q1. How is this test performed?
This test is performed on a blood sample. The blood is obtained from the vein and this is performed by a healthcare provider in the following way.
- clean the skin
- put an elastic band above the area
- insert a needle into a vein (usually in the arm inside of the elbow or on the back of the hand)
- pull the blood sample into a vial or syringe
- take off the elastic band and remove the needle from the vein
Q2. Are there any risks associated with it?
There are many risks related to thyroid hormone, which if not treated well can cause serious health issues. Whereas, there are no much risks related to the test, it’s a minor procedure which can only cause minor bruise or soreness at the site of injection.
Q3. What is Hyperthyroidism and the symptoms associated with it?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition which occurs when Thyroid Gland makes excess T3 and T4 hormones and TSH produced by pituitary gland will be decreased in Hyperthyroidism. Following are the symptoms associated with Hyperthyroidism:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Warmth skin
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Mood Swings
- Weight loss
- Anxiety/ Panic attacks
- Muscle and joint pain
Q4. What is Hypothyroidism and the symptoms associated with it.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of thyroid gland. Symptoms are not noticeable in the early stages. In the later stages following symptoms are noticed:
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Dizziness
- Cold skin
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Mood Swings
- Weight gain
- Anxiety/ Panic attacks
- Muscle and joint pain
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:
TSH Range: 0.4 and 4.0 milliunits per liter (mU/L)
T4 Range: 4.6-12 ug/dl
T3 Range: 80-180 ng/dl
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
The test measures:
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): A thyroid-stimulating hormone test measures the levels of Thyroid in the body. The test helps determine whether or not the thyroid, is functioning correctly.
Higher levels suggest Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, while lower levels indicate Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid.
Thyroxine ( T4): A high level of Thyroxine (T4) indicates an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Triiodothyronine (T3): Triiodothyronine gives information if Thyroid stimulating hormone is working fine in the body.
