T3 testing

[ABro]

Hi I need to order a test to measure my T3 levels as my practice doesn't include this in their tests. Which one is best to order? T3 or free T3 - confused. Thanks

[Judithdalston]

Free T3, with FT4, Total thyroxin and TSH from same blood draw; have you ever had 2 thyroid autoimmune antibodies tested for Hashimoto's, or Vit D, B12, folate and ferritin...all useful for good thyroid health and some rarely done by Gp?

[ABro in reply to Judithdalston]

Hi Judith I had all the other tests done three days ago - no results back yet - just wondered if it would be a good thing to order t3 separately?

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

ABro

You need Free T3, but it must be done at the same time as FT4 and TSH, I assume you want to know if you're converting T4 to T3 well enough. Medichecks tests are reduced until Monday. If you just want the basic TSH, FT4, FT3 then look at their Thyroid Monitoring. If any other tests would be useful then I'd do them while they're discounted.

medichecks.com/thyroid-health

[ABro in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you, Had all the tests done Wednesday and just waiting for results, is it too late to do separate t3 now?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to ABro]

Yes, it needs to be done at the same time as the FT4 and, preferably, TSH. Because hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day - see graphs here healthunlocked.com/thyroidu... then you want accuracy when looking to see how well you convert and the ony way to do that is to test FT4 and FT3 at the same time.

[ABro in reply to SeasideSusie]

Ok thanks for that

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Sadly you can't assume that because a GP requested various tests that the lab will do them all. They often don't test both TPO and TG antibodies

Suggest you get results first from GP, then see else what you still need to test

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, TT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

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. When 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)

[ABro in reply to SlowDragon]

I will post the results as soon as I get them Thank you

[Judithdalston]

Having FT3 by itself is not ideal, better with FT4 at minimum, from the same blood draw as this for eg would help to ascertain if you were converting T4 to T3 adequately within the ratio between 3:1 and 4:1. For good conversion you need the TSH of 1 or under- so again might be best if same blood draw. If your private tests were akin to the NHS ones your Gp seeing them might be happier to take note of any private ones in future. You were lucky to have all the other tests done by doctor...perhaps you should wait to get the results- amazing how many tests thought to be ordered are not done!

[ABro in reply to Judithdalston]

Yes thanks I will hang on and will post results

[fluffyhat]

Hi, I now have my TSH, free T4 and free T3 taken at same time at my GP surgery.

I should add that NHS Lothian labs in line with other health boards usually won't process even if GP requests..so... I have the TSH, free T4 done on the NHS and then I pay £9.51 to the surgery for the free T3..all from same blood draw.

All admin teams in GP surgeries are aware of the their health boards prices for private tests ..I should add I am in Scotland.

[ABro in reply to fluffyhat]

Not sure they will do this in England but will enquire - wouldnt mind paying the extra!

[fluffyhat in reply to ABro]

Yes worth asking as makes life so much easier and means all my results can be kept on one record.

I hope it ll be same in England .

You may have to be " tactfully persistent " ..I am a practice nurse and I initally had a bit of a job to convince the admin staff at my GP surgery rhat such a document existed..I did in rhe end pull rank and produce copy of rhe email with the 2018 prices that had been circulated to surgeries in Lothian the preceding week!!

Best of luck!

[ABro in reply to fluffyhat]

OK well I'll have a go!

[whispers60]

Medihecks have a very good offer on until Monday for the full lot doing, they do have offers every Thursday so you may want to look at those, you can find them on the thyroid U.K. Page

[ABro in reply to whispers60]

Than you