How do I read a thyroid blood result?

[Lynny66]

TSH = 215

Free T4 = 16

What does this tell me? GP says it is satisfactory.

What are the ranges for healthy thyroid results please?

[greygoose]

TSH = 215

Is that a typo? No doctor on this earth could possibly say that that was satisfactory, bad as they are with thyroid!

As for the FT4, it doesn't mean anything without the range - the numbers usually found in brackets after the result. Ranges vary from lab to lab, there are no standard ranges.

What are the ranges for healthy thyroid results please?

Do you mean 'ranges'? Or do you mean results? Well, depends on the range, but usually about 50% through the range for FT4 and FT3, and 'healthy' TSH is around 1. Can't say more without knowing the range for the FT4.

[Lynny66 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you. No wonder I couldn't find the answer online.

I rang the GP secretary for my results & she said it has come back satisfactory!

I asked for the figures:

TSH 215 and free T4 was 16.

That was all she gave me!

I wonder if it needed to be divided to a different format.

🤷‍♀️

[greygoose in reply to Lynny66]

No, never ask for results over the phone. As you can see, what they give you is utterly unsatisfactory! They are so ignorant. What you need to do is ask for a print-out of the results. That way there is less room for error, you will get what is on the computer, not some dozey receptionist misreading the results.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Lynny66]

Did she really say 215 …..not 2.15

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

The best way to get access to current and historic blood test results is to register for online access to your medical record and blood test results

UK GP practices are supposed to offer everyone online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

Link re access

patients-association.org.uk...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

In reality some GP surgeries still do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

Bloods should be retested 6-8 weeks after each dose change or brand change in levothyroxine

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

[Tabbygirl22 in reply to SlowDragon]

Pretty sure uts 2.15And they are in normal range

[Lynny66 in reply to Tabbygirl22]

Thank you!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Are these your Mum’s test results?

Was test done early morning, only water to drink and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

presumably TSH should read 2.15

Please add ranges on Ft4 result

Just testing TSH and Ft4 is completely inadequate

Though it looks like she’s under medicated with TSH over 2

Request GP test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

What vitamin supplements is she taking

[Lynny66 in reply to SlowDragon]

No these are my blood results that were taken some time ago. I'm not on any medication. I was just interested to see what my results were from an old blood test because recently I have had symptoms of weight gain, pins & needles, low libido, breaking nails & tiredness but these are probably due to menopause - I am 57 - I was curious as been helping my mum try to regulate hers.

I think I will get a new blood test done & get a print out to be sure.

As for mum- another story! She had bloods done, however GP asked for T3 but they didn't do it only TSH & T4 so she's been told they will ask for T3 again when she has her INR done in a couple of weeks! Apparently NHS don't like doing T3 even though GP requested it!

When mum gets her full bloods back I will let you know.

She has been referred to an endo on NHS & we are waiting. They reduced her thyroxine to 50mg from 75mg & at the moment no symptoms but still early days. Her last bloods GP said showed she was still over medicated but she has conversion problems so I am expecting her to show symptoms again like before when she was reduced hence the referral I have asked for to get it checked thoroughly.

Thanks for your reply.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Lynny66]

ESSENTIAL she get vitamin levels tested …..now if possible

You are highly unlikely to get Ft3 tested

Insist on vitamin testing at next test if not before

Low vitamin levels lower TSH

As for yourself. Try GP request full thyroid including antibodies and vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 testing

[Lynny66 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks ever so much.

[Starseed56 in reply to Lynny66]

Nhs doesn’t like to test for T3 because if your level is low they don’t want to issue T3 it’s expensive for them. Also not in NICE huh… I’ve recently been told that a health watch in Norfolk has managed to reinstate T3 prescribing after three years of pressure. So national HEALTH service, I think not, money first, Health second not what it was set up for originally I’m sure. Makes me mad. If their T4 doesn’t work as for many of us, tough that’s their attitude. When I finally get my balances right switching to NDT, I intend to take on my local ICB and challenge this…. I may ask for others in my area to contact me for people power, but one step at a time. I need to get myself balanced first after years of imbalance and being told no it can’t be my thyroid making me feel unwell 🧐🤓🤔 thanks to reading and this site I’ve discovered otherwise. 💜

[SlowDragon Administrator]

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)

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