Blood test options?

[Kasty]

Hi all, I was reading about blood test timings and came across this list of a full thyroid panel,

"For example, TSH may be within range but other critical thyroid markers are not. It’s recommended to run a complete thyroid panel that includes total and free T4 and T3, free thyroxine index (FTI), reverse T3, T3 uptake, and thyroid binding globulins."

Does anyone know if/ where its possible to get the thyroxine index, t3 uptake and binding globulins tested in the UK, NHS or otherwise?

Thank you

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

Generally speaking you only need TSH, FT4 & FT3 to see what is going on with your thyroid.

The other tests you mention really aren't that useful.

[greygoose]

Oh, that's an American list, isn't it! They do seem to love doing useless blood tests. You really don't need Total T4 or T3, nor free thyroxine index (FTI), reverse T3 or T3 uptake. They're just a waste of good blood because they don't give you any useful information. You need:

TSH

FT4

FT3

TPO antibodies

Tg antibodies

vit D

vit B12

folate

ferritin

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 at 6-8 weeks after any dose or brand change in levothyroxine

Test vitamin D twice a year

Test folate, ferritin and B12 at least once a year

Test both TPO and TG antibodies at least once

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

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

On T3 - day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day with last dose 8-12 hours before test

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options and money off codes

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/wp-content/up...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee