And imaging tests, healthcare providers can diagnose and manage various conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid diseases effectively.
Thyroid tests are done to check the levels of hormones produced in the thyroid. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that is just above your sternum (breastbone). It is responsible for regulating many body processes, such as metabolism, energy generation, mood, and much more. The thyroid gland produces two hormones—triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). If thyroid glands do not produce enough hormones, you can feel symptoms like fatigue, restlessness, anxiety, sluggishness, or weight changes. A doctor concerned about the hormone levels will order a thyroid test to diagnose thyroid disorders, like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, or Hashimoto’s disease.
Types of Thyroid Tests
There are several types of thyroid tests conducted to check the hormone levels, but they all come under two broad categories:
Thyroid Blood Tests: This blood test examines hormones and proteins such as antibodies and thyroglobulin. If you have conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, these tests can help in diagnosing them. The thyroid blood test includes TSH, T3, and T4 tests. The affordable T3, T4, and TSH test price makes it easily accessible for the general population.
Thyroid Imaging Tests: These tests help find nodules or lumps in the neck and determine whether they are cancerous or noncancerous. Thyroid imaging tests include thyroid uptake and scan tests. This test is done by injecting or swallowing a small amount of contrast material.
The procedure of Thyroid Tests
Thyroid Blood Test
Healthcare providers use different blood tests to measure certain hormones and antibodies in the blood. The TSH test measures the thyroid-stimulating hormone and is the first test most doctors recommend. While T3 measures triiodothyronine, T4 measures thyroxine in the blood. These tests involve healthcare professionals drawing a blood sample from the vein in your arm. The process is quick and painless, which takes less than five minutes.
Thyroid Imaging Tests
The imaging tests provide healthcare providers with more information about the size, shape, and function of the thyroid gland. These are conducted after the blood tests. Different imaging tests can serve various purposes.
Thyroid ultrasound is conducted by placing a handheld device against the neck and using waves to determine the shape, size, and position of the thyroid gland.
A CT thyroid scan examines the size and location of the thyroid gland.
In thyroid uptake tests, the patient has to swallow radioactive iodine for four to six hours before the test and will use a gamma probe to read the amount of iodine the thyroid takes from the blood.
Test Results
TSH
A TSH test can detect the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in your blood. The normal range for TSH tests is between 0.4 and 4.0 mIU/L. If the reading is above 4.5 mIU/L, you are at risk of hypothyroidism. Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, depression, and brittle hair and fingernails.
T4
The T4 test is known as the thyroxine test, and a high level of T4 indicates an overactive thyroid, which is hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include anxiety, weight loss, tremors, and diarrhea.
T3
Usually ordered when T4 tests show elevation, the T3 test checks the hormone triiodothyronine. The abnormal level of T3 mostly indicates Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder associated with hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid Ultrasound
This non-invasive imaging technique can help detect thyroid nodules, cysts, goiters, and tumors. Ultrasound can show the shape, location, and size of these lumps.
Thyroid Uptake Test
This diagnostic imaging test measures the amount of iodine your thyroid absorbs. If your thyroid takes a large amount of iodine, it means you have hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease.
Thyroid function tests are essential diagnostic tools that help in understanding the health and functionality of the thyroid gland. Healthcare providers can detect medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, or Graves’ disease through blood tests like TSH, T4, and T3 and thyroid imaging tests. Being aware of the thyroid test cost beforehand can help you plan for these essential diagnostic tests and take proactive steps for your health.
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