WHAT IS THYROID FUNCTION TEST ??





What is Thyroid ?


    The Thyroid is a small gland located in the lower-front part of your neck. It’s responsible for helping regulate many bodily processes, such as metabolism, energy generation, and mood.

The thyroid produces two major hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)


If your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of these hormones, you may experience symptoms such as weight gain, lack of energy, and depression. This condition is called hypothyroidism.


If your thyroid gland produces too many hormones, you may experience weight loss, high levels of anxiety, tremors, and a sense of being on a high. This is called hyperthyroidism.


How can Thyroid function be investigated? 

     Tests for investigation of Thyroid dysfunction can be separated into Two categories They are :-

Tests to established Thyroid status :-

Measurement of TSH in Plasma or Serum Measurements of Thyroid Hormones {T4 and T3} in Plasma or Serum


Tests to elucidate cause of Thyroid dysfunction :-

Thyroid Auto-antibody

Serum Thyroglobulin

Thyroid Peroxidase

Biopsy of the Thyroid

Ultrasound and Isotopic Thyroid Scanning


Any Preparing for the tests ?

      You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for the thyroid function tests.

If a healthcare professional has ordered other blood tests to be taken at the same time, you may need to fast for several hours before the test. They will let you know of any special instructions to follow.

Otherwise, you will not need to follow any specific directions before the test.


What tests are used to determine Thyroid status? 

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): 

Single most sensitive, specific and reliable test of Thyroid status in both overt and subclinical thyroid dysfunction

 Can be used to diagnose Primary Hypothyroidism

Can be used to differentiate Primary from Secondary Hypothyroidism

Thyroid-Releasing Hormone (TRH):

Test to evaluate patients with Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

Helpful in differential diagnosis of Hypothyroidism

Free Thyroxine (FT4):

 Used to evaluate Thyroid Function

 Used to diagnose Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism

 Free Triiodothyronine (F T3):

 Used to diagnose Thyroid Function

 Used to monitor replacement and suppressive thyroid therapy

Thyroxine (Total T4):

Used in assessing Thyroid Function

Used to monitor Replacement and Suppressive Therapy

Total Triiodothyronine (Total T3): 

 Used to evaluate Thyroid Function

Mainly used to diagnose Hyperthyroidism Used to monitor Replacement and Suppressive therapy



Result Understanding







Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why is the number of diabetic patients increasing in today's situation?

Image
  Why is the number of diabetic patients increasing in today's situation? The increasing prevalence of diabetes in recent years can be attributed to several factors. While it is important to note that this response is based on information available up until September 2021, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind the high number of diabetic patients. 1. Sedentary Lifestyle: The modern lifestyle has become increasingly sedentary due to technological advancements, automation, and a shift toward desk jobs. Lack of physical activity has led to a rise in obesity rates, which is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. 2. Unhealthy Diets: The consumption of unhealthy diets high in processed foods, refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and low in fruits and vegetables has become more prevalent. These dietary habits contribute to obesity and increase the risk of developing diabetes. 3. Obesity Epidemic: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally. Ex...
Read more

CHEMICAL METHODS OF DISINFECTION

Image
 CHEMICAL METHODS OF DISINFECTION  Disinfectants are those chemicals that destroy pathogenic bacteria from inanimate surfaces. Different disinfectants have different target ranges. Some chemical have very narrow spectrum of activity and some have very wide. Those chemicals that can be safely applied over skin and mucus membranes are called antiseptics. Bacteriostatic chemicals are those inhibit multiplication of bacteria without killing them. Bactericidal is that chemical that can kill or inactivate bacteria. Mode of action of various Chemical Disinfectants include. Protein coagulation, disruption of cell membrane, enzyme damage etc.  Different chemicals used as disinfectants   ALCOHOLS : E.g.: Ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and methyl alcohol.70% ethyl alcohol (spirit) is used as antiseptic on skin.  ALDEHYDES E.g.: Formaldehyde, and Glutaraldehyde 40% Formaldehyde (formalin) is used for surface disinfection and fumigation operation theatres, biological...
Read more

Rheumatoid Factor Test

Image
                                                   Rheumatoid Factor Test The rheumatoid factor (RF) test is an important blood test that is used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to differentiate it from other forms of arthritis. RF is an antibody that is produced by the immune system in response to inflammation and tissue damage in the joints.   While RF can be found in the blood of some people without RA, it is present in the majority of people with the disease. Therefore, the presence of RF in the blood, along with other clinical and laboratory findings, can be used to make a diagnosis of RA.   It's important to note, however, that a negative RF test does not rule out RA, as up to 30% of people with RA have a negative RF result. In addition, a positive RF test can also be seen in other conditions, such as infections, autoimm...
Read more