What should a thyroid test include

[Fifi18]

I posted my blood tests results on here & the feedback from this forum was my results were limited only showing TSH & free T4. I’ve got a phone consultation with my GP today at noon& Im asking for another thyroid blood test but just want to check with you guys on here that I’m asking for the test to include all the right things . Can you confirm I’ve got this right ?

TSH

T4

T3

Or is it free T4 & free T3

Thyroid antibodies

Iron

Anything else ?

Thanks for your help

[Marz]

TSH - Free T4 & Free T3 are the usual tests but the latter rarely done by NHS.

Anti-TPO & Anti -Tg are the two antibody tests but only the first is done by NHS.

B12 - Folate - Ferritin - VitD also are suggested tests.

Are you able to have Private Testing through Thyroid UK ?

[Fifi18]

How do you go about getting a private test from Thyroid uk ?

[Marz in reply to Fifi18]

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

i only spotted your Reply by chance as you forgot to press Reply. So I did not receive an Alert ... not a problem happens a lot

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Your previous post had B12 and folate tested

So you need thyroid antibodies tested, ideally both TPO and TG. (NHS will only test TG if TPO are high)

Plus FT3

Ask for vitamin D too

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies. Plus vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12.

Essential to test thyroid antibodies, FT3 and FT4, plus vitamins

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting.

If on Levothyroxine, don't take in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances too, especially gluten. So it's important to get antibodies tested.