Will GP ask for T3 to be tested for next blood test ?

[Bigsi]

After a recent private blood test, I had a high TSH of 5.6, and my GP has ordered another test ( NHS ), but will they ask the lab to test for T3, and is it important they do ?

Sorry for my ignorance, but I am new to this after recently finding this site,

Thank you for any advice,

James

[Clutter]

Welcome, James. It's always helpful if you can post results of blood tests with lab reference ranges. You'll get better quality advice. If you don't have them you are entitled to request them from your GP surgery and shouldn't be required to pay more than the cost of photocopies if tests were done within 40 days of request.

GPs don't always get FT3 results even if they request them. If TSH is within range labs often refuse to test. NHS guidelines don't diagnose hypothyroidism until TSH is 10, unless ThyroidPeroxidase antibodies are found and then TSH of 5 is the upper limit.

I personally think FT3 is important to gauge whether FT4 is converting but had an endo ignore my below range FT3.

[Aurealis]

NHS don't always test T3, but whatever, make sure you get the reference range as it's likely to be different to the private tests.

[tilly83]

Sometimes labs will only test TSH and if that's 'within range' they don't do T4 or T3. I always ask nurse to put on a request for these on lab papers. Once they weren't done and I asked for another blood test saying endo wanted these results. Now they are done. x

[Bigsi]

Thank you for your replies, I am going to ask for the T3, and if they refuse will do another private test.

I have been measuring my Basal temperature for the last week, and it just over 34 ! At the moment the biggest

problem I am having is the need for sleeping at least 12-14 hours which messes up my day.

James.