A number of blood tests may be used to learn if your thyroid gland is working normally. These function tests reveal if your thyroid is producing the right amount of thyroid hormones. Thyroid blood tests may be ordered:
Understanding how your thyroid is functioning enables your doctor to treat a thyroid disorder if one is present.
Thyroid function testing can be used in several ways, including:
Thyroid function testing is often ordered when patients have symptoms of a thyroid disorder. Testing can assist with diagnosing or ruling out thyroid problems as a cause of your symptoms.
Many of the symptoms of common thyroid problems are nonspecific; there is a wide range of diseases and disorders which may cause them. Thyroid function testing, which may be referred to as a full thyroid panel, complete thyroid panel, extended thyroid panel or other thyroid lab tests, may be included with other tests to evaluate if you are having trouble with a non-specific symptom like fatigue, depression, or difficulty becoming or staying pregnant.
In addition to being used for diagnosis, thyroid function tests may be performed to screen for thyroid disease in patients who have no symptoms. Newborn infants are routinely screened for hypothyroidism shortly after birth.
Screening for thyroid disease in adults is controversial. Some experts recommend screening certain groups who are at higher risk of having an underactive thyroid. These risk factors may include:
Other experts do not recommend routine screening for thyroid disorders in adults. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which issues screening recommendations, has concluded that there is currently not enough evidence to assess the benefits and drawbacks of screening for thyroid disorders.
Thyroid function tests are also used for treatment monitoring. Patients with known thyroid disorders will have periodic thyroid function testing to ensure their treatment is effective.
Best Overall Thyroid Function Test
Labcorp Standard Thyroid Test
Price: 89ドル
Type: In-person collection
Sample: Blood
Tests for: TSH, free T4
Results timeline: 1 business day
The Labcorp Standard Thyroid Test is conducted at your nearest Labcorp facility and requires a simple finger prick for sample collection. This test measures two key metrics:
After your lab visit, you should receive results within one business day of your sample being analyzed.
A number of blood tests may be used to screen for and diagnose thyroid disorders. Below are some thyroid function tests that may be used for screening and diagnosis:
Thyroid function tests are typically ordered by a primary care physician, endocrinologist, or another medical professional. These tests are most often performed in a doctor’s office, clinic, medical lab, hospital, or another medical setting.
The cost of a thyroid test will vary by location and test type. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, offer free or low-cost testing. Labs, clinics, and at-home testing companies may accept insurance to cover or lower your cost of testing. If you order you own thyroid lab tests, that could impact the cost of testing as well. As for how much blood work for thyroid costs without insurance, that depends on your testing facility.
A blood sample is required for a thyroid panel test. If you’re giving a sample in a lab, expect a blood draw. At home, you’ll fill in blood spots.
Typically, your doctor will interpret several thyroid function test results along with your symptoms and health history to determine whether a thyroid disorder is present.
It often takes a few business days before the results of your thyroid function test(s) are available. You may receive the results by mail or through an online health portal, or your doctor may schedule an appointment to review the results with you and discuss the next steps.
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