Additional Blood Tests for Thyroid apart from TSH

Sep 30

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A lot of people and even GPs (Doctors) rely on single test of TSH to identify hypothyroidism or low thyroid function which is totally incorrect.

One of the must have tests is to check FT4 and FT3 at the same time as well which will give a true picture if a person is hypo or hyper. Apart from FT3 and FT4, following tests should also be ordered to complete the picture.

 

ADDITIONAL HEALTH TESTS AND SCREENINGS
Name of test What is this test for? Who should have this test?
Mammogram Low-dose x-ray scan to screen for and detect breast cancer/disease; also available as full-field digital mammography (FFDM) which converts x-rays into electrical signals; best used as companion screening tool with other technology and examinations. Traditionally recommended for women aged 40 and above as a screening device for early detection of breast cancer; also used diagnostically following abnormal clinical findings.
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) Blood test which measures TSH, a hormone excreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid to produce thyroid hormone T4 (thyroxine), which is then converted to T3 (triiodothyronine) to be used by the cells; used to evaluate thyroid function and screen for thyroid disorders; sometimes used to diagnose fertility problems. Recommended for symptoms of hypothyroidism (high TSH accompanied by low T4 levels) or hyperthyroidism (low TSH accompanied by high T4 levels), or when thyroid gland is enlarged; routinely used as newborn health screening.
Total thyroxine (T4) Blood test that measures both bound (attached to thyroxine-binding globulin) and free thyroxine. Recommended for symptoms of hyperthyroidism (low TSH accompanied by high T4 levels), or when thyroid gland is enlarged; also used to track treatment effectiveness.
Triiodothyronine (T3) Blood test that measures both bound (attached to thyroxine-binding globulin) and free triiodothyronine. Recommended for symptoms of hypothyroidism (high TSH accompanied by low T4 levels) or hyperthyroidism (low TSH accompanied by high T4 levels), or when thyroid gland is enlarged.
CRP (C-reactive protein) and hs-CRP (high sensitivity C-reactive protein Blood tests used to test for CRP, a marker of inflammation seen in a range of disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, some types of arthritis, autoimmune function/disease, and pelvic inflammatory disease; to test for low-grade systemic inflammation; also used to screen for potential heart disease and cardiovascular disease; hs-CRP is a newer, more sensitive test that offers earlier detection. For people suspected of having chronic or acute inflammation, risk of heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus; people who need a screening tool to monitor inflammation or assess treatment effectiveness.
Serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and serum ferritin Blood tests:

  • serum iron test measures the amount of iron in the blood;
  • total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test measures the amount of transferrin, a protein involved in the transfer of iron from the gut to the cells and bone marrow;
  • serum ferritin test measures the amount of iron reserve stored in the body.
 Anyone with symptoms of anemia or who has had an abnormal result in the complete blood count (CBC) may be recommended for all three tests; to evaluate protein depletion or malnutrition; to diagnose a range of more unusual iron-related disorders.
LH (luteinizing hormone) Blood test for LH to evaluate pituitary function. Women with irregular periods; people with fertility issues; people with symptoms of pituitary or hypothalamic disorders; women with symptoms of ovarian disease; girls with delayed or advanced sexual maturation.
FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) Blood test for FSH to evaluate pituitary function connected to fertility. Women with irregular periods; people with fertility issues; people with symptoms of pituitary or hypothalamic disorders; women with premature ovarian failure; women with symptoms of disease; women with eating disorders; girls with delayed or advanced sexual maturation.
Blood glucose Blood test to determine amount of glucose (blood sugar) in blood; also used as a screening technique; depending on circumstances may be ordered both fasting and possibly 2 hours after a high-sugar meal. Pregnant women; anyone with symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar); anyone suspected of having diabetes; anyone with eating disorders; diagnosed diabetics use this test to monitor their condition.
Insulin A set of tests (blood and possibly urine) to help diagnose acute or chronic hypoglycemia; to monitor insulin produced by the body; to check for insulin resistance; to determine if a type-2 diabetic needs to start taking insulin injections; and to diagnose insulinomas (islet cell tumors in the pancreas); depending on circumstances may be ordered both fasting and possibly 2 hours after a high-sugar meal; sometimes a C-peptide test is also required. People concerned about or suspected of having insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome; people with symptoms of hypoglycemia; people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who may need insulin injections to supplement oral medications; people suspected of having pancreatic disease.
Lipid profile Blood test series which measures total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides; may also include calculated ratio of cholesterol/HDL, or risk scores. Often recommended with routine health exams; also for people with known risk factors for heart disease and/or stroke; people who are already managing cholesterol or heart disease-related issues.
Gastrointestinal (GI) tests This array of tests involve different methods, and can include:

  • colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to evaluate health of colon, bowel or large intestine;
  • endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to evaluate condition of liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas;
  • lower GI series to diagnose problems in large intestine;
  • upper endoscopy and upper GI series used to diagnose problems in esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
 People with GI complaints and symptoms, or those suspected of GI disorders or diseases, with the specific recommended tests matched accordingly.
Pap (Papanicolaou) test Sample tissue smear used to screen for cellular changes indicative of potential for cervical cancer and certain vaginal or uterine infections. Girls and women who are sexually active, and those over the age of 18, recommended annually or as directed by practitioner.


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