T3: I have seen ranges posted from 2 to 6.8 and 3.4 to 6.8 on Thyroid UK. Which FT3 range is the most accepted please?

[belwom]

Am asking as last letter from (second) NHS hospital endo said my T3 at a value of around 3 was 'at the top end of the range'?? This does not correspond with the ranges I have seen here.

[tegz]

Maybe they're getting confused with the USA - TSH max of 3.0 ?

You never know with this lot, sadly!

What actual range did your lab qoute for yours?

[belwom in reply to tegz]

Hospital just sent letter with summary results without ranges. GP practice does print out full results when asked. Thank you for replying!

[silverfox7]

Yes the range is so important. I went back to discuss the results with an Endocrinologist. He had only given me the figure for FT3. I was told I didn't need to know! But I asked again but was still only given the top end! Again meaningless and I forgot to ask his secretary so I rang and was told he doesn't given them out as people may not understand them-should have said that they won't if he doesn't give the range. I spoke to him and said I hadn't received a lab report but again he sent out the same letter. Determined not to be beaten I went back to the surgery and spoke to the Practice Manager and pointed out that even if the results were said to be normal I wanted a record in my notes. He said he couldn't request but would ask one of the doctors to do that. I then got a letter from him with the results and ranges and this would have normally cost me £25 for the letter but they would waive it under the circumstances. From this I found there was also a FT4 result that had never even been mentioned! I'd been referred as my GP was convinced I was over medicating. The results disputed this and look like I may not be converting T4 to T3 as well as I might-can't think other than I was denied the ranges so as not to make the GP look foolish! Surely my well being should have been the top priority? Oh I'd asked for a FT3 reading and it was denied as the lab won't do them!

[colouredrainbows in reply to silverfox7]

They must supply you with your results. Under freedom of information you are entitled to see them. My GP prints the results out each time he gets them and gives me a copy. It's your body, your health, demand a detailed copy. good luck!

[belwom in reply to silverfox7]

You were given an awful, dismissive reply. Good for you to persevere. Thanks for replying.

[Issy]

You are entitled to see the results.. With ranges... Of all blood tests carried out within the last forty days

[colouredrainbows in reply to Issy]

You're right Issy.

[silverfox7]

Well I know that and that's why I turned into a terrier and wouldn't give up! And felt better for doing it! I also knew roughly what the range would be but said to the practice manager that for all I know the lower end of the range could be 10 below my reading or 0.1 which gives two very different scenarios treated very differently! Thankfully I've now found another doctor in the practice who is taking an interest who admits she doesn't know a great deal but knows an endocrinologists and is learning. Last week she ordered full bloods, TSH FT3 and 4 all repeats along with Vit D plus folate ferritin iron and B12. Hopefully will see if results back today, get a copy and make an appointment. Let's hope it all goes to plan! Being on here has taught me to be pro active!

[susymac in reply to silverfox7]

If they give you the exact figure, you can always phone the path lab and ask for the test range. I'm quite lucky in that east cheshire post the whole lab handbook on the web for download, its updated approximately twice a year. not sure if this is supposed to be for doctors only but its accessible by all

[silverfox7 in reply to susymac]

Thanks for your reply. I do realise I can do that, (phone the lab), but I wanted to make as many waves as possible!" This way my GP was also made aware that I know incomplete paperwork is meaningless and that I am not happy with the service provided. More results to be posted shortly.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

As well as needing the range from the laboratory that performed the test, you need to be absolutely sure that you are talking about the same test!

We have several times seen someone think they had a low FREE T3 result, when they had actually had a TOTAL T3 test!

In number terms, the range for TT3 might be around one third the number on an FT3 test. Again, lab range is the only one that matters.

Rod

[Jackie]

Hi Lots of different ranges from different Labs, so always get "your" range. I need mine near the top of range, like lots of people. However, in this case vital to have lots of FT3 tests to be sure it does not go over. On T4 too, that is often best in top third of range.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[diogenes Remembering]

Free T3 tests are in total confusion! Normal ranges from the various manufacturers products can vary by up to 60%! Any test with a lower limit of 2 is reading far too low. The most plausible range for normality is around 4 (bottom end) to say 7.5 (top end). Some workers in Belgium are trying to rationalize a completely topsy turvy situation by comparing all the commercial tests with a standard wellcontrolled method. Its here where they find the enormous spread of results between products. However, so long as you stick to one product and compare your results against that normal range, the actual number doesn't matter - its where you are on the scale relative to normality as expressed by that test that matters.

[tegz in reply to diogenes]

My range for FT3 was 4.0 - 6.8 so my result of 4.8 was at least part of your meaningful average, Dio..

OP, Belwom has not come back yet- but I like the style of Silverfox immensely.

Kick on..appalling service and backside covering exposed- and a result with a helpful GP at last for you..

[silverfox7 in reply to tegz]

Thank you! I have heard so many sad tales on here that determined to get a dig in wherever I can. If we can at least get a GP to think about what they are saying/doing then that can only be a good thing and remember folks knowledge in power!

[belwom in reply to diogenes]

Thank you, Diogenes. Will have to look into what researchers are up to in my native country... Very interesting reply.

[belwom]

Thanks for all your replies. Will have to yet again start all over.