THYROID TESTING

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Thyroid disorder diagnosing is a process that can include big amount of factors, such as clinical evaluation, imaging tests, blood tests, biopsies and other exams.

A group of tests that are usually ordered together to evaluate thyroid gland function and to diagnose thyroid diseases called Thyroid Panel. The tests ordered in a thyroid panel examine the amount of thyroid hormones in patient's blood. The hormones are chemical substances that move in the blood and control and regulate patient body's metabolism.

The pituitary gland produces TSH. TSH is part of the body's feedback system to maintain steady levels of the T4 and T3 thyroid hormones in the blood. When concentrations reduce in the blood, the pituitary is stimulated to discharge TSH. The TSH in turn stimulates the production and release of T4 and T3 by the thyroid gland. When the body system is working normally, thyroid production turns on and off to maintain constant blood thyroid hormone amounts.
The thyroid panel usually includes:
·TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone or thyrotropin)– to test for hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and to monitor thyroid replacement therapy  
·T4 or free T4 (thyroxine)– to test for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism  
·T3 or free T3 (triiodothyronine)– to test for hyperthyroidism  
Sometimes a T3 uptake test is included to calculate Free Thyroxine Index (FTI).

Also read Thyroid Diseases topic.

 
 
 
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All information on this page is intended for your general knowledge only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.