Can anyone recommend the best test for iodine level?
I note that 3 months ago, Humanbean suggested a (non-loading) urine test from Genova which costs £71 gdx.net/uk/product/urine-io.... However, 2 months ago, another forum member stated that a naturopath had suggested a urine iodine test at £40 although Im currently unsure if it was the same or a loading test.
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised
Have you ever had thyroid antibodies tested or had ultrasound of thyroid?
If antibodies are HIGH this is autoimmune thyroid disease and IODINE or KELP are not recommended
(See on previous posts you were supplementing kelp. )
drknews.com/iodine-and-hash...
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)
this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins
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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random
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 are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .
Link about thyroid blood tests
thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...
Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
List of hypothyroid symptoms
userotc
It's the non loading test that's recommended. The one that Genova offers is perfect, it's the one I did. It measures existing levels and can be used for monitoring when supplementing
Order with ThyroidUK as your practioner:
thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/g...
Test details:
Urine Iodine Test:
Specimen requirements: Urine
Cost: £71.00
Order Code: END25
Turnaround time: 5 - 10 days
Iodine is an essential trace element, vital for healthy thyroid function. Adequate levels are required to enable the production of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, whilst also being required in other areas of health. Deficiencies can lead to impaired heat and energy production, mental function and slow metabolism. Urine iodine is one of the best measures of iodine status. This test is not performed as a loading test, but can be used to establish existing levels or to monitor iodine supplementation.
I don't know which test the other member mentioned.
Susie. I'm doing a non-loading iodine retest, ordered via the link you sent 2y ago.
Re supplements (I take no meds), would you agree that only iodine- containing ones need to be stopped and then for 2 days? As I recall, that's what I did 2y ago so I can compare with that.
I've emailed Thyroid UK but am not sure to receive a reply in time for planned test Monday.
Genova advised that TUK will interpret/advise on results - did you get it? I think I had problems with this (incl supplemtation) previously.
Userotc
Their instructions say to discontinue all non essential medication and supplements for 48 hours so I would go with that.
I didn't have any interpretation of my results, they're very easy to understand. If you want interpretation/advice from a practioner there is a charge but I don't know how much.
For your info, I was quoted £75 for 30 min discussion by practitioner listed by TUK. I will consider if I think necessary but hopefully TUK can advise, as Genova said.
But otherwise I can obviously note iodine level and compare both with their set ranges and my result 2y ago. And I should be able to decide whether to increase or decrease my supplementation based on that.
Thyroiduk say on their website :
thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...
Thyroid UK staff are not qualified to interpret the test results for you. This may be done by your NHS doctor or a private doctor or practitioner.
You could put your result on the forum to see if any members have any suggestions but no-one here is qualified either, any suggestions will be based on the member's own experience or what they have researched/read.
Hi Susie. Sorry to bother you again (especially on an old, original post) but can you advise further about receiving Genova iodine test results from TUK. I completed the necessary test requisition form 6 days ago after doing/sending test 10 days ago so expect results should be available with a 5-10 day turnaround.
Ive also emailed Lyn Mynott but receive an auto message that she's away until middle of next week. Would anyone at TUK send results in her absence or is it just Lyn?
Many thanks, in anticipation.
I think it may be her PA, Louise, who sends out results. I've only got a general email address for the admin staff so try that:
tukadmin@thyroiduk.org
Ive emailed Louise. Unfortunately Ive received a similar auto message from her albeit she's back a couple of days before Lyn! Thanks anyhow.
Thanks for your replies. After some research, I suspect the other forum member (who hasnt yet replied to a PM from me) may have been referring to Biolab's non-loading urine or hair iodine test. They offer the former for £36.00 (or £48.00 with a correction for the urine concentration to allow for dilute or concentrated urine samples) and the latter for £40. Anyone tried one of those options?
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