Thyroid Panel-3 (Reflex)

The profile is mainly used to test the thyroid gland functioning. The most common scenarios where testing is carried out include:

• Cases of suspected hypothyroidism which may present as  fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, muscle weakness, puffy face.
• Cases of suspected hyperthyroidism which may present as unintentional weight loss, rapid heart rate, arrhythmia, palpitation, increase appetite, nervousness, irritability. 
• For monitoring the status in thyroid patients to understand the treatment effectiveness.

• The Thyroid Panel-3 (Reflex) test is often utilized to evaluate the working of the thyroid gland. It is especially used when suspecting hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which may be evidenced through symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain/loss, sensitivity to cold/heat, muscle weakness, rapid heart rate and more. Furthermore, this profile can be used to track the progress of treatment among those already diagnosed with a thyroid condition. The test measures three hormones: FT4, FT3, and TSH.

Thyroid panel 3 test measures Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels in the blood. TSH results are the starting point of the diagnostic algorithm, the results show diurnal variation (test should be done at the same time of the day during follow-ups). FT4 is the second part of the algorithm and is evaluated if results of TSH are abnormal. FT3 estimations are useful in some cases where T4 is normal.

Thyroid panel 3 test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

Results of TSH in combination of T4 are often used to diagnose primary and secondary causes of hypo & hyperthyroidism.
TSH high: T4 low (primary hypothyroidism), T4 high (secondary hyperthyroidism)
TSH low: T4 low (secondary hypothyroidism), T4 high (primary hyperthyroidism)

The test may require you to fast for 12-14 hours. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking your medications before the test. Please consult your doctor for more details


 

The Thyroid Panel-3 Reflex test results can be evaluated as follows:

Normal TSH values usually range from 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L (milli-international units per litre). However, this range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory.

Normal FT3 levels range from 0.2 to 0.5 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).

Normal FT4 levels range from 0.8 to 1.8 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).

There are no risks associated with having a thyroid panel done. You may have minor bruising at the site of the blood draw and slight tenderness that usually resolves in some time.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, and irritability. Treatment may include medications and/or surgery.


 

T3 and free T4 are hormones produced by the thyroid gland. They are important for regulating metabolic processes in the body. Free T3/T4 are the active forms of the hormones, which can enter into your tissues, whereas T3/T4 are the bound inactive forms of the hormones. They are usually bound to proteins and lipoproteins in the blood. Total T3/T4 are the sums of the free and bound forms of the hormones in the blood.

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of a thyroid disorder should consider getting this test done. These symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain or loss, hair loss, dry skin, cold intolerance, muscle aches and weakness, constipation or diarrhoea, depression, anxiety, irregular menstrual cycles, and fertility issues. If you have any concerns about your thyroid function, or if you have any of the above symptoms, talk to your doctor about whether or not the Thyroid Panel-3 (Reflex) test is right for you.

Your doctor may prescribe other tests along with the Thyroid Panel-3 (Reflex) test depending on your condition and symptoms. These may include a complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), PCOS profile-I, glucose plasma (fasting and post-prandial) and/or lipid panel. CBC evaluates the overall health of your blood. CMP provides information about how well your liver and kidneys are functioning. PCOS profile-I helps to detect cysts in ovaries that may lead to weight gain and irregular periods. Glucose plasma assesses if you are diabetic or not. The lipid panel will assess the levels of fats in your blood.

Reference

https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests/

Reflex Thyroid Profile

Thyroid Profile with TSH
Thyroid Profile
Thyroid Function Test

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Free triiodothyronine (FT3)

Free thyroxine (FT4)