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Thyroid Function Tests
Thyroid Function Tests
Definition
Thyroid function tests are blood tests used to evaluate how effectively the thyroid
gland is working. These tests include the thyroid-stimulating hormone test (TSH),
the thyroxine test (T4), the triiodothyronine test (T3), the thyroxine-binding globulin
test (TBG), the triiodothyronine resin uptake test (T3RU), and the long-acting thyroid
stimulator test (LATS).
Purpose
Precautions
Thyroid treatment must be stopped one month before blood is drawn for a thyroxine
(T4) test.
Patients are asked not to take estrogens, androgens, phenytoin (Dilantin), salicylates,
and thyroid medications before having a triiodothyronine resin uptake (T3RU) test.
Prior to taking a long-acting thyroid stimulant (LATS) test, the patient will probably
be told to stop taking all drugs that could affect test results.
Description
Most doctors consider the sensitive thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test to be the
most accurate measure of thyroid activity. By measuring the level of TSH, doctors
can determine even small problems in thyroid activity. Because this test is sensitive,
abnormalities in thyroid function can be determined before a patient complains of
symptoms.
TSH "tells" the thyroid gland to secrete the hormones thyroxine (T4) and
triiodothyronine (T3). Before TSH tests were used, standard blood tests measured
levels of T4 and T3 to determine if the thyroid gland was working properly. The
triiodothyrine (T3) test measures the amount of this hormone in the blood. T3 is
normally present in very small amounts, but has a significant impact on metabolism.
It is the active component of thyroid hormone.
The thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) test measures blood levels of this substance,
which is manufactured in the liver. TBG binds to T3 and T4, prevents the kidneys
from flushing the hormones from the blood, and releases them when and where they
are needed to regulate body functions.
The triiodothyronine resin uptake (T3RU) test measures blood T4 levels. Laboratory
analysis of this test takes several days, and it is used less often than tests whose
results are available more quickly.
The long-acting thyroid stimulator (LATS) test shows whether blood contains long-
acting thyroid stimulator. Not normally present in blood, LATS causes the thyroid to
produce and secrete abnormally high amounts of hormones.
It takes only minutes for a nurse or medical technician to collect the blood needed for
these blood tests. A needle is inserted into a vein, usually in the forearm, and a small
amount of blood is collected and sent to a laboratory for testing. The patient will
usually feel minor discomfort from the "stick" of the needle.
Preparation
There is no need to make any changes in diet or activities. The patient may be asked
to stop taking certain medications until after the test is performed.
Aftercare
Warm compresses can be used to relieve swelling or discomfort at the site of the
puncture. With a doctor's approval, the patient may start taking medications stopped
before the test.
Normal results
Not all laboratories measure or record thyroid hormone levels the same way. Each
laboratory will provide a range of values that are considered normal for each test.
Some acceptable ranges are listed below.
TSH
T4
Levels of free T4 (thyroxine not attached to TBG) are higher in teenagers than in
adults.
Normal T4 levels do not necessarily indicate normal thyroid function. T4 levels can
register within normal ranges in a patient who:
is pregnant
has recently had contrast x rays
has nephrosis or cirrhosis
T3
TBG
T3RU
Between 25% and 35% of T3 should bind to or be absorbed by the resin added to the
blood sample. The test indirectly measures the amount of thyroid binding globulin
(TBG) and thyroid-binding prealbumin (TBPA) in the blood.
LATS
Abnormal results
T4
acute thyroiditis
birth control pills
clofibrate (Altromed-S)
contrast x rays using iodine
estrogen therapy
heparin
heroin
hyperthyroidism
pregnancy
thyrotoxicosis
toxic thyroid adenoma
anabolic steroids
androgens
antithyroid drugs
cretinism
hypothyroidism
kidney failure
lithium (Lithane, Lithonate)
myxedema
phenytoin
propranolol
T3
Although T3 levels usually rise and fall when T4 levels do, T3 toxicosis causes T3
levels to rise while T4 levels remain normal. T3 toxicosis is a complication of:
Graves' disease
toxic adenoma
toxic nodular goiter
anabolic steroids
androgens
phenytoin
propranolol
reserpine (Serpasil)
salicylates in high doses
TBG
TBG levels, normally high during pregnancy, are also high in newborns. Elevated
TBG levels can also be symptoms of:
acute hepatitis
acute intermittent porphyria
hypothyroidism
inherited thyroid hormone abnormality
anabolic steroids
birth control pills
anti-thyroid agents
clofibrate
estrogen therapy
phenytoin
salicylates in high doses
thiazides
thyroid medications
warfarin (Coumadin)
TBG levels can be raised or lowered by inherited liver disease whose cause is
unknown.
acromegaly
acute hepatitis or other acute illness
hyperthyroidism
kidney disease
malnutrition
marked hypoproteinemia
uncompensated acidosis
T3RU
A high degree of resin uptake and high thyroxine levels indicate hyperthyroidism. A
low degree of resin uptake, coupled with low thyroxine levels, is a symptom of
hypothyroidism.
Thyroxine and triiodothyronine resin uptake that are not both high or low may be a
symptom of a thyroxine-binding abnormality.
LATS
Long-acting thyroid stimulator, not usually found in blood, is present in the blood of
80% of patients with Graves' disease. It is a symptom of this disease whether or not
symptoms of hyperthyroidism are detected.
Key Terms
Acidosis
A condition in which blood and tissues are unusually acidic.
Acromegaly
A disorder in which growth hormone (a chemical released from the pituitary
gland in the brain) causes increased growth in bone and soft tissue. Patients
have enlarged hands, feet, noses, and ears, as well as a variety of other
disturbances throughout the body.
Acute intermittent porphyria
An inherited disease affecting the liver and bone marrow. The liver
overproduces a specific acid and the disease is characterized by attacks of
high blood pressure, abdominal colic, psychosis, and nervous system
disorders.
Anabolic steroids
Protein-building compounds used to treat certain anemias and cancers,
strengthen bones, and stimulate weight gain and growth. Anabolic steroids
are sometimes used to illegally enhance athletic performance.
Cholestyramine (Questran)
A drug used to bind with bile acids and prevent their reabsorption and to
stimulate fat absorption.
Cirrhosis
Progressive disease of the liver, associated with failure in liver cell
functioning and blood flow in the liver. Tissue and cells are damaged, the
liver becomes fibrous, and jaundice can result.
Clofibrate (Altromed-S)
Medication used to lower levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
Cretinism
Severe hypothyroidism that is present at birth and characterized by severe
mental retardation.
Graves' disease
The most common form of hyperthyroidism, characterized by bulging eyes,
rapid heart rate, and other symptoms.
Heparin
An organic acid that occurs naturally in the body and prevents blood clots.
Heparin is also made synthetically and can be given as a treatment when
required.
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver.
Hyperthyroidism
Overactive thyroid gland; symptoms include irritability/nervousness, muscle
weakness, tremors, irregular menstrual periods, weight loss, sleep problems,
thyroid enlargement, heat sensitivity, and vision/eye problems. The most
common type of this disorder is called Graves' disease.
Hypoproteinemia
Abnormally low levels of protein in the blood.
Hypothyroidism
Underactive thyroid gland; symptoms include fatigue, difficulty swallowing,
mood swings, hoarse voice, sensitivity to cold, forgetfulness, and dry/coarse
skin and hair.
Lithium (Lithane, Lithromate)
Medication prescribed to treat manic (excited) phases of bipolar disorder.
Myxedema
Hypothyroidism, characterized by thick, puffy features, an enlarged tongue,
and lack of emotion.
Nephrosis
Any degenerative disease of the kidney (not to be confused with nephritis, an
inflammation of the kidney due to bacteria).
Nodular goiter
An enlargement of the thyroid (goiter) caused when groups of cells collect to
form nodules.
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Anti-convulsive medication used to treat seizure disorders.
Propranolol (Inderal)
Medication commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure; is a beta-
adrenergic blocker and can also be used to treat irregular heartbeat, heart
attack, migraine, and tremors.
Reserpine (Serpasil)
A drug prescribed for high blood pressure.
Salicylates
Aspirin and certain other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Thiazides
A group of drugs used to increase urine output.
Thyroid gland
A butterfly-shaped gland in front and to the sides of the upper part of the
windpipe; influences body processes like growth, development, reproduction,
and metabolism.
Thyroiditis
Inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Thyrotoxicosis
A condition resulting from high levels of thyroid hormones in the blood.
Toxic thyroid adenoma
Self-contained concentrations of thyroid tissue that may produce excessive
amounts of thyroid hormone.
Books
A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 5th ed. Ed. Francis Fishback.
Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1996.
Pagana, Kathleen Deska. Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory
Tests. St. Louis: Mosby, Inc., 1998.
Everything You Need to Know About Medical Tests. Ed. Michael Shaw et al.
Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corporation, 1996.
Organizations
American Thyroid Association, Inc. Montefiore Medical Center, 111 E.
210th St., Bronx, NY 10467. http://www.thyroid.org
Thyroid Foundation of America, Inc. Ruth Sleeper Hall, RSL350, 40
Parkman St., Boston, MA 02114-2698. (800) 832-8321.
http://www.tfaeweb.org/pub/tfa
Source: Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, Published December, 2002 by the Gale
Group