Thyroid Panel Test For Thyroid Gland Functioning

The thyroid panel test is used to see how well the thyroid gland is functioning. This gland is responsible for producing hormones important for many bodily processes. A thyroid panel test checks for levels of 3 different hormones which are associated with the thyroid gland, viz. T3 (Triiodothyronine), T4 (Tetraiodothyronine or thyroxine), and TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).

 

Thyroid Panel Test

Here are the basic details for TSH Test.

Also Known As	Thyroid Function Test (TFT), Thyroid Function Panel, Thyroid Test
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Check Thyroid Gland Functioning
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	No
Gender	Unisex
Age-Group	All Ages
Normal Value	0.4-4.0 mIU/L (TSH)
Reporting Time	2 to 8 hours
Cost	300 - 700* INR

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

Thyroid Panel Test Meaning

A thyroid panel test provides information about:

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Produced by the pituitary gland, TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones. Elevated levels of TSH may indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), while low levels may indicate an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
• Thyroxin (T4) or Free thyroxine (FT4): T4 or FT4 is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate metabolism. Low levels of FT4 may indicate hypothyroidism, while high levels may indicate hyperthyroidism.
• Triiodothyronine (T3) or Free Triiodothyronine (FT3): T3 or FT3 is another hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate metabolism. High levels of T3 may indicate hyperthyroidism, while low levels may indicate hypothyroidism.
• Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb): An autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism, can be detected by the presence of TPO antibodies. Elevated TPOAb levels may indicate an autoimmune thyroid condition.
• Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb): Elevated TgAb levels may indicate autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto's or Graves' disease.

Interesting Facts About Thyroid

• The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
• Thyroid disorders are common, affecting millions of people worldwide, with women being more prone to developing thyroid conditions.
• The thyroid gland uses iodine from the diet to produce thyroid hormones, which play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being.

 

Thyroid Panel Test Purpose

A thyroid panel test is used to:

• Evaluate thyroid function: The test measures levels of hormones and other markers involved in thyroid function, helping to determine if the thyroid gland is producing too much or too little thyroid hormone.
• Diagnose thyroid disorders: Abnormal levels of thyroid hormones or antibodies can indicate various thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and Graves' disease.
• Monitor thyroid disease: The test is used to monitor thyroid function and treatment effectiveness in individuals with known thyroid disorders.
• Screen for thyroid problems: The test may be used to screen individuals who are at risk for thyroid problems, including women over the age of 60, those with a family history of thyroid disease, and individuals with autoimmune disorders.
• Identify fertility and pregnancy issues: Thyroid problems can impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes. A thyroid panel test can identify thyroid disorders that may be contributing to fertility issues or complications during pregnancy.

 

 

Thyroid Panel Test Preparation

Here are some general guidelines for preparing for, during, and after a thyroid panel test:

 

Before the test

• Your healthcare provider may provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the test, such as fasting for a certain period before the test or avoiding certain medications that may interfere with thyroid function.
• Be sure to follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

 

During the test

• The test involves a simple blood draw. A healthcare provider will insert a needle into a vein in your arm and collect a small sample of blood.
• The procedure is generally quick and should only take a few minutes.

 

After the test

• You can resume your normal activities immediately after the test unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider.
• Your healthcare provider will inform you of when and how to obtain the test results, and any necessary follow-up steps based on the results.
• If you experience any pain, swelling, or redness at the site of the blood draw, apply a warm compress to the area and contact your healthcare provider if the symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days.

 

Thyroid Panel Test Procedure

Here are the general steps involved in a thyroid panel test procedure:

• The healthcare provider will clean the area on your arm where the needle will be inserted with an antiseptic solution.
• The healthcare provider will then insert a needle into a vein in your arm, usually in the inner elbow area, and collect a small sample of blood.
• After the blood is collected, the needle is removed and the healthcare provider will apply pressure and a bandage to the puncture site to stop any bleeding.
• The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• The results of the test will be sent to your healthcare provider, who will discuss the results with you and recommend any necessary follow-up steps.

 

Thyroid Panel Test Result

The results of a thyroid panel test typically include the following measurements:

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level
• Thyroxin (T4) level & Free thyroxine (FT4) level
• Triiodothyronine (T3) level & Free Triiodothyronine (FT3) level
• Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) level
• Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) level

 

The test results are typically reported in units of measurement, and your healthcare provider will evaluate the results in the context of your individual health and medical history to determine if any follow-up steps are necessary. Some possible outcomes of the test include:

• Normal thyroid function: All measurements fall within a normal range.
• Hypothyroidism: Elevated TSH levels and/or decreased FT4 levels may indicate an underactive thyroid.
• Hyperthyroidism: Low TSH levels and/or elevated FT4 or T3 levels may indicate an overactive thyroid.
• Autoimmune thyroid disease: Elevated TPOAb and/or TgAb levels may indicate autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease.

 

Thyroid Panel Test Report

Thyroid Panel Test Report PDF

 

Thyroid Panel (Profile) Test Normal Report

Thyroid Panel (Profile) Test Normal Report PDF

Normal Thyroid Panel (Profile) Test Report

 

Thyroid Panel (Profile) Test Abnormal Report

Thyroid Panel (Profile) Test Abnormal Report PDF

Abnormal Thyroid Panel (Profile) Test Report

 

Thyroid Panel Test Normal Value

Here are the normal values for the components of a thyroid panel test:

Thyroid Panel Component	Normal Value Range
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)	0.4-4.0 milli-international units per liter (mIU/L)
Free thyroxine (FT4)	0.7-1.8 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)
Triiodothyronine (T3)	80-200 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)
Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb)	Less than 9 international units per milliliter
Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb)	Less than 4.0 IU/mL

 

Thyroid Panel Test Interpretation

Interpretation of a thyroid panel test involves evaluating the individual components of the test and how they relate to one another. Here is an example table summarizing possible interpretations:

Thyroid Panel Result	TSH (mIU/L)	FT4 (ng/dL)	T3 (ng/dL)	TPOAb (IU/mL)	TgAb (IU/mL)	Interpretation
Normal	1.5	1.2	120	< 9	< 4	Normal thyroid function
Hypothyroidism	7.0	0.8	100	< 9	< 4	Underactive thyroid
Hyperthyroidism	0.1	2.0	300	< 9	< 4	Overactive thyroid
Hashimoto's thyroiditis	4.0	1.0	150	> 9	< 4	Autoimmune thyroid disease
Graves' disease	0.1	1.8	200	< 9	> 4	Autoimmune thyroid disease

 

Specimen Requirments For Thyroid Panel Test

Here are the specimen requirements for Thyroid Panel Test.

Specimen	Serum
Volume	5 mL
Container	Gold Top (SSTII)

 

Thyroid Panel Test High

Here are some potential causes of high results on a thyroid panel test:

Thyroid Panel Component	High Result Causes
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)	Hypothyroidism, pituitary gland disorders, pregnancy, certain medications
Free thyroxine (FT4)	Hyperthyroidism, thyroid hormone resistance syndrome, acute illness, pregnancy
Triiodothyronine (T3)	Hyperthyroidism, thyroid hormone resistance syndrome, certain medications, liver disease
Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb)	Autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis)
Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb)	Autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease)

 

Thyroid Panel Test Low

Here are some potential causes of low results on a thyroid panel test:

Thyroid Panel Component	Low Result Causes
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)	Hyperthyroidism, pituitary gland disorders, certain medications
Free thyroxine (FT4)	Hypothyroidism, pituitary gland disorders, malnutrition
Triiodothyronine (T3)	Hypothyroidism, malnutrition, chronic illness
Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb)	None - low levels of TPOAb are generally considered normal
Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb)	None - low levels of TgAb are generally considered normal

 

Thyroid Panel Test is Safe?

• A thyroid panel test is generally considered safe and carries minimal risks.
• The test involves a simple blood draw, which may cause minor discomfort or bruising at the site of the needle insertion.
• In rare cases, some people may experience fainting, dizziness, or infection at the site of the blood draw, but these complications are uncommon.

 

When Do You Get Thyroid Panel Test Results?

• The thyroid panel test results can typically be obtained within a few hours to a day after the blood sample is collected.
• Some healthcare providers may offer online access to lab results, which may allow for quicker retrieval of the test results.
• It's important to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss the results and any necessary next steps, such as further testing or treatment.

 

Thyroid Panel Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the Thyroid Panel Test.

• Limited in diagnosing specific thyroid disorders.
• May not detect early or subclinical thyroid dysfunction.
• Results can be influenced by medications or certain medical conditions.

 

Thyroid Panel Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the Thyroid Panel Test.

• Minimal risk of infection or bleeding at the blood draw site.
• Rare allergic reactions to the needle or antiseptic used.
• Potential for lightheadedness or fainting during or after the procedure.

 

Doctor Recommendations After Thyroid Panel Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after Thyroid Panel Test.

Thyroid Panel Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Visit
High	Endocrinologist	Evaluate for Hyperthyroidism
Normal	Primary Care Physician	Monitor thyroid function
Low	Endocrinologist	Evaluate for Hypothyroidism

 

Thyroid Panel Test Price

Here are the estimated Thyroid Panel Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	300 - 700
New Delhi	400 - 700
Bangalore	300 - 700
Hyderabad	400 - 700
Kolkata	300 - 700
Pune	400 - 700
Lucknow	300 - 700
Noida	400 - 700
Surat	300 - 700
Gurugram	400 - 700
Patna	400 - 700
Chennai	300 - 700
Jaipur	400 - 700
Ahmedabad	300 - 700

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

• A thyroid panel test is a blood test used to measure levels of various hormones and proteins that are involved in thyroid function.
• The test is used to diagnose and monitor thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid conditions.
• The test typically includes measurements of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and triiodothyronine (T3), and may also include tests for thyroid antibodies or other markers of thyroid function.
• Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

• Thyroid Tests - NIDDK [1].
• Thyroid disease - Wikipedia [2].