Has anyone heard of this test

[Batty1]

My Rheumatologist ordered a thyroid testing algorithm (TTAL) test and a FT4 on top of this my Endo is running all the thyroid tests (except FT3).

I can’t find good info on this TTAL test.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

I have no confirmed reference but my theory would be that this is the name of the lab tests system where they will test TSH and if that is out of range it will auto test FT4 but no further test if in range.

NHS UK sometimes refer to this as cascade testing.

US terminology sometimes refers to it at reflex testing.

[Batty1 in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks for your response.

I had thyroidectomy in 2016 and had numerous thyroid test over the years and never had a test called thyroid testing Algorithm (TTAL) never heard of this.

My Rheumatologist and Endocrinologist are both testing FT4, T3, TSH and my Rheumy added this TTAL test.

[helvella Administrator in reply to PurpleNails]

I agree - there are several links to thyroid testing algorithms - they are much the same as each other.

This is one:

mayocliniclabs.com/it-mmfil...

Possibly it would add a few tests depending on results of earlier tests. But I have my doubts you are going to get a lot from it. A surprise is always possible!

[Batty1 in reply to helvella]

Hi Helvella , I read this but I still wonder why this test would be ordered along with standard thyroid testing. Does this mean someone might actually think something thyroid related could be wrong?

[helvella Administrator in reply to Batty1]

Might be that your rheumatologist does this because they recognise they are not a thyroid expert and are relying on the lab to do what seems necessary.

Remember - I am trying to interpret what I know nothing about! It's not impossible it is something else!

[Batty1 in reply to helvella]

Ive come to the conclusion after 4 yrs of hell that none of these doctors have a clue about health issues unless the damn labs tell them something is wrong.... I regret this thyroidectomy and this stupid biologic injections every stinking day... agh!

[Partner20]

I would agree that the algorithm title simply refers to the cascade testing protocol. It may be that this means all tests should be done even when one in the panel returns a normal result. Also, we find that each specialist will order their own tests regardless of what has been requested by any other consultant or GP. This sometimes means that tests are duplicated, but each specialist needs their own particular "package" of results.

[Batty1 in reply to Partner20]

Thank you it just seems like a strange way of doing it.... oh well Im sure these thyroid test will reveal no earth shattering explanation of the never ending health problems.

My Rheumatologist thinks that the issues Ive been having for the past year with my biological injections are not the biologics but something more to do with “thyroid”. 🤣

[Partner20 in reply to Batty1]

Rheumatologists are often far more thorough in their investigations than many others. Mine certainly is. Hope you get a helpful outcome.