This test panel measures the levels of total thyroxine [T-4], total triiodothyronine [T-3] and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in blood. The thyroid stimulating hormone is a pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormones. These hormones help to control the rate at which energy is used in almost every tissue in the body. Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) which are secreted into the blood binds reversibly to the transport proteins like thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), thyroxine binding pre-albumin (TBPA), and albumin. Remaining unbound T4 and T3 circulates freely in blood and used by the body. This freely circulating Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) are known as Free Thyroxine [FT-4] and Free triiodothyronine [FT-3]. The Thyroid Profile Total test is performed to know if the thyroid gland is functioning normally or abnormally. The thyroid gland is a part of the endocrine system. It produces and releases the thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. It is located at the front of the neck just below the larynx and is butterfly-shaped. It consists of two lobes that are located on either side of the trachea (windpipe). The hormones produced by the thyroid gland regulate various functions in the body including heart function, digestive function, bone maintenance, brain development, muscle control, and metabolism (the rate at which body uses energy), etc. This test is performed to measure whether the thyroid gland is hyperactive (Hyperthyroidism) or underactive (Hypothyroidism). Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which thyroid gland produces excessive hormones. This condition may cause signs and symptoms such as weight loss, irritability, sweating, and irregular heartbeats. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This condition may cause weight gain, dry skin, constipation, feeling cold and slow heart rate. Your doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you exhibit any of these signs or symptoms. The doctor may ask to get this test done if the patient is suffering from symptoms like unexplained weight loss or weight gain, fatigue, weakness, difficulty in concentrating which are common symptoms of thyroid disorders. In some cases, this test is performed to find out the effectiveness of the treatment. If a patient is on the treatment of artificial thyroid hormones then the doctor prefers this test to evaluate and to check the thyroid hormone levels in the body. This helps the doctor to rule out the patient’s disease condition. If the test results are in normal range then the thyroid gland is functioning normally and no need for further medical intervention. In the case of increased T3 and T4 levels in the blood than the normal range then it may be due to transient hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an auto-immune disorder where the immune system of own body attacks the thyroid gland and decreases the production of hormones that are required for the body), Grave’s disease (an immune system disorder which results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones), subacute thyroiditis (acute inflammation of the thyroid gland), toxic adenoma (increased hormone production from single large nodule/lump in the thyroid gland), toxic multinodular goiter, thyroid cancer, increased production of thyroid stimulating hormone.

Also known as: Thyroid Function Tests Total Blood, TFT Total Blood, TFT Total, Thyroid Function Tests Total.

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