Five thyroid profiling tests:
2. FT4 test: T4 test is also known as thyroxine test. FT4 stands for free thyroxine. Both T3 and T4 hormones are circulated in the blood attached to a carrier protein. However, bound hormone molecules cannot be used by the cells. Only the ones that freely circulate in the blood or are in the unbound state can be taken up by the cells. Therefore, free thyroxine in the blood is an accurate measure of hormone responsible for activities carried out by the cells. The normal range of T4 hormone is between 9-25 picomoles/litre.
3. FT3 test: T3 test is useful for diagnosing and determining the severity of hyperthyroidism. Just as FT4, levels of FT3 are also determined in the free or unbound state. The normal range of T3 is between 3.5 to 7.8 pmoL/litres.
Results based on TSH, T3 and T4:
• Above normal TSH levels along with low FT4 levels indicate hypothyroidism or under-activity of the thyroid gland.
• Lower TSH levels along with high FT4 levels and FT3 levels indicate hyperthyroidism or over-activity of the thyroid gland
Antibody testing for thyroid disorders may be recommended mainly if you have a family history of thyroid problems or if you have an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis. These antibody tests help to find out if your body produces auto-antibodies (antibodies against self-cells) against your thyroid gland.
4. TPO-Microsomal antibody: TPO Microsomal antibody is also called Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibody. These antibodies are raised in a condition called Hashimoto’s disease or autoimmune thyroiditis, where the cells of the thyroid gland are destroyed. The normal value for TPO Ab is anything less than 150 mUI/ml.
5. ATA-Thyroglobulin antibody: These antibodies are also found in Hashimoto’s disease. The reference range for this is less than 200 mUI/ml. The titre of these antibodies indicates severity of the disease.
If you are showing any symptoms of thyroid disease you can control your thyroid levels with yoga. more