Thyroid blood tests determine if the thyroid is releasing the appropriate number of hormones. High or low levels can indicate various conditions. Testing is important for regulating metabolism and brain development in children. Further testing may be needed to determine the cause of abnormal hormone levels.
The three types of thyroid blood tests are the total thyroxine test, the free thyroxine test, and the triiodothyronine test. Each of these tests can determine if the thyroid is releasing the appropriate number of hormones into the body. Blood tests can also be used to monitor whether a thyroid treatment plan is working and can be a first step in determining whether thyroid disease or disorder is present.
The thyroid gland is located in front of the windpipe, or windpipe, and below the larynx. Iodine from food is used to make hormones called thyroxine and triiodothyronine, also known as T4 and T3, respectively. The thyroid stores and releases these hormones when the body needs them.
Thyroid blood tests in adults are important because the thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. In children, the thyroid helps in brain development. Testing thyroid function in children is often recommended, because deficiencies can lead to mental retardation. In older children, the thyroid gland helps regulate normal growth.
If blood tests determine high hormone levels in the thyroid, it may be an indication of a goiter, abnormal growths or nodules on the thyroid, Graves’ disease, or thyroiditis. Low levels of thyroid hormones can indicate pituitary disease, thyroiditis, or thyroid damage due to surgery. If any of these indicators are present, a doctor might recommend further testing or prescribe thyroid medication.
There is little or no risk associated with thyroid blood tests. The biggest discomfort is usually a small bruise or soreness where the needle entered the skin. If the area swells, a warm compress will usually ease the swelling. Bleeding disorders can sometimes present with a clotting problem after blood work.
Thyroid blood tests will show elevated thyroid hormones in hyperthyroidism. Other symptoms may include thinning hair, a rapid heartbeat, an enlarged thyroid gland, and swelling of the eyes. Blood tests usually show decreased thyroid hormone levels in hypothyroidism. Other possible symptoms include fatigue, dry skin and cold intolerance.
Although thyroid blood tests can indicate hormone levels, they cannot determine the cause of abnormal hormone levels. More tests may be needed to determine the cause. This may include further ultrasound examinations. In some cases, further blood tests are done to detect the presence of thyroid antibodies.
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