WHAT IS A THYROID FUNCTION TEST?

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a gland present in the front of the neck just below the voice box or larynx. It is butterfly-shaped and is 2-inch long. It has two lobes, each present on either side of the windpipe. This gland makes up the endocrine system. The glands of this system produce hormones and release them into the blood, which travels in the body in order to direct various activities of the body’s cells.

Thyroid Function Test

image credit :- Healthline

What is the role of thyroid in the body?

The thyroid produces two essential hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are produced by the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is produced in the brain by the pituitary gland. When the level of thyroid hormones is low in the blood, the pituitary releases more TSH and vice versa.

Pituitary Gland (in the brain)→TSH→T4 & T3→To the bloodstream→Cell activities occur

Various important functions performed by the thyroid in the body are as follows.

1) To make hormones that act as messengers

2 ) Help in metabolism

3) Maintain optimum levels of minerals in your blood

4) Controls calcium levels in your body

5) Regulates important body functions

a) Heart rate
b) Breathing
c) Cholesterol levels
d) Menstrual cycles
e) Body weight, etc.

What are thyroid function tests?

Thyroid function test is blood test performed to check how well your thyroid gland is functioning. They are referred as TFTs. During a TFT, blood sample is drawn the patient’s body and is sent to a laboratory for analysis. This report is then sent back to the doctor who prescribed you the tests and will diagnose your condition according to the results.

NextDoorLab (NDL) offers you TFTs from your place by ordering the relevant test on www.nextdoorlab.com. You can also consult with the doctors at NDL on 0124-6999-899 free. NDL offers you competitive rates on all lab tests, free home sample collection from place at your choice of time, free doctor consultation 24*7*365 and free online report generation, within 24 hours of sample collection. NDL also will generate a hard copy of your reports on your request and mails to your mailing address. Now getting tested is no more time consuming and with NDL’s 24*7*365 service, you can go for any lab test, any time and from any place you are at.

The tests for thyroid function require no special preparation. Remember to tell the doctor about any medications and drugs you are taking and any health condition you are suffering from, if any. During pregnancy, there are changes in the thyroid levels. So if you are pregnant, do not miss out to tell your doctor about it.

Why to perform thyroid function tests?

To check the proper working of your thyroid gland, TFTs are performed. These tests are majorly performed to find out an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). These tests help in checking the levels of the hormones produced by your thyroid gland. There are certain people suffering from conditions that put them at an additional risk of developing thyroid problems. Thus, they are advised by the doctors or healthcare providers to have TFTs annually. Some conditions include

1) Type 1 diabetes
2) Turner syndrome
3) Addison’s syndrome
4) Coeliac disease
5) Down’s syndrome

Not only health conditions put you at an extra risk, but certain drugs and over-the-counter medicines also affect your thyroid functioning, such as amiodarone, lithium, etc. These tests will also help in monitoring the treatment for people with hypothyroidism and are on thyroid replacement medications. TFTs also are required to screen newborn babies who have parents with thyroid problems. To check the thyroid gland function in hyperthyroidism patients, these tests are very important.

Whenever performing TFTs to find out a possible thyroid disorder, irrespective of whether the patient is hypothyroid or hyperthyroid, the first TFT performed is the sensitive serum TSH assay. Sometimes, TSH alone fails in certain situations like non-thyroidal illness, thyroid hormone resistance, pituitary disease, TSH-secreting pituitary tumor, recent treatment for thyrotoxicosis, etc.