While some conclusions can be drawn from a single test, a combination of test results are usually needed to establish the full nature of your thyroid health. Topic in focus interpretation of thyroid function tests. Blood tests to measure these hormones are readily available and widely used, but not all are useful in all situations. Thyroid function test results are frequently abnormal in patients who are given cbz or dph. In the majority of cases, the results of thyroid function tests tfts are straightforward, presenting a. However, in an important subgroup of patients the results of tfts can seem confusing, either by virtue of. Nitin kapoor, mbbs, md,dm endo, abbm usa, post doc. Interpretation of thyroid function tests current medical. Thyroid function tests during spontaneous course of subacute thyroiditis. The introduction of sensitive thyrotropin assays and free thyroid hormone measurements has simplified the interpretation of thyroid function tests. Abnormal tft results guidance tsh high t4 normal t3 normal.
Discordant results between tsh, t4 and t3 may be because of various. Tests to evaluate thyroid function include the following. Clinical examination a comprehensive collection of clinical examination osce guides that include stepbystep images of key steps, video demonstrations and pdf mark schemes. Agents and conditions having an impact on lthyroxine therapy and interpretation. Understanding thyroid function tests and normal ranges.
Topic in focus interpretation of thyroid function tests cmi. Interpretation of thyroid function tests the lancet. Thyroid function test interpretation tft interpretation. Thyroid tests assess inherent thyroid gland function radioactive iodine uptake test is used to assess intrinsic function of the thyroid gland this test is not specific and the reference range should be adjusted based on local population this test is indirect measure of thyroid activity 21. The con centrations of t4 below or above this range in ab sence of thyroid dysfunction, is as a result of an ab normal level of serum thyroid. This guide will walk you through the 10 most common thyroid tests and how to interpret and use each one. The thyroid s job is to make thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue. In most healthy individuals, a normal tsh value means that the thyroid is functioning properly. Thyroid function tests are a series of blood tests used to measure how well your thyroid gland is working. Tsh tests the best way to initially test thyroid function is to measure the tsh level in a blood sample. Thyroid dysfunction can result in a wide range of symptoms and thyroid function tests tft are therefore one of the most common endocrine tests ordered in. Mean serum t3 and serum tg levels remained higher than in normal subjects. The thyroid gland is a butterflyshaped endocrine gland that is normally located in the lower front of the neck. A guide to thyroid function test interpretation tft interpretation, including the common tft patterns for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid function during the spontaneous course of subacute. Nonthyroidal illness rarely secondary hypothyroidism. When a patient is found to have unusual thyroid function tests, and especially if the clinical presentation and test results do not fit well with a. If you are suffering from thyroid symptoms but have relatively normal thyroid lab tests then this is the guide for you. T4 is the main form of thyroid hormone circulating in the. Thyroid function test an overview sciencedirect topics.
Pdf biologic variation is important for interpretation. We propose that if assays for thyrotropin, free t3, and free t4 are all done, knowledge of these. The results of thyroid function tests tfts must always be interpreted in light of the clinical status of the patient. Pdf thyroid function test and its interpretation researchgate.
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