FT3 blood test

[Amtired]

Since my last post, I’ve been to see a private endocrinologist. They have diagnosed Hashimotos and asked for various blood tests, most of which my GP has agreed to. However, the GP has done a thyroid function test and not included FT3 blood test, which the endo also requested. Should I have a FT3 blood test and what is the protocol for this?

Thank you so much for your wisdom, knowledge and for sharing it!

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

FT3 test is essential as this is how we know whether we are converting T4 to T3 well enough. It needs to be tested at the same time as TSH and FT4, not on it's own, so follow the protocol we suggest for all thyroid testing.

If your GP agrees to do your tests he may request FT3 to be included but the reality is that the lab probably wont do it so you may need to resort to private testing to get the full thyroid panel. If this is all that you need to do privately then as MonitorMyHealth is an NHS lab this may be more acceptable than one of the other private labs.

[Forestgarden]

The NHS won't routinely test free T3, but yes it is important as its the active form of the hormone. I have to get mine done privately

[McPammy]

I manage to get my T3 tested along with T4 and TSH every 3 months by my NHS GP. What they have to do is print the blood form with T4 and TSH then hand write T3 to be tested and sign the form. It always gets done then. So they can do it but needs to be stated in writing on the blood form.

[CoeliacMum1]

If your endocrinologist has requested to your GP via letter or electronically, in my experience it’s normally carried out. Your GP has to stipulate each test not just tick TFT as often that will result the lab just doing TSH maybe lucky if get FT4 done.

I get a text and print out my forms go to local hospital for my tests so I can see what I’m getting and choose when I go… my surgery no longer has a Phlebotomy clinic.

I have for first time had all thyroid tests on my annual review, without requesting them😳…but it is probably as I’m still under endocrinologist, he didn’t request them this time either just asked me to share my results with him in an email to his secretary when had them.