Iodine testing options

[userotc]

Id like to test my iodine level but have found the various, past HU responses a bit confusing. Some may also be out of date eg Blue Horizon dont seem to do it now (they did last December for £49 incl a 20% discount). Any views on the best method?

Note: I had it done by blood test with BH 15 months ago and have a slight preference for that method now as it should give me a specific reading that I can compare with the previous one (rather than just an indication as to whetehr Im deficient or not). The cost with Medichecks is higher at £79 (less any discounts eg Thursdays?)

For reference, blood is referred to as "an accurate way to test the iodine levels" and other methods are discussed at naturalendocrinesolutions.c...

[Justiina]

Urine iodine combined with thyroglobulin is common method.

High thyroglobulin indicate iodine deficiency , if urine iodine is low as well its quite safe to assume one is deficient. Thyroglobulin can be retested in two to three months to see if supplementing iodine fixed it.

Thyroglobulin reflect iodine usage for months so it's better indicator than single urine test.

But if it was done correctly to measure chronic iodine deficiency it requires urine iodine test for 10 days + blood test for serum iodine, but this is quite expensive so no health care does it without a fight.

I have had thyroglobulin+urine iodine done. My thyroglobulin has been tested few times since and it starts to increase if I skip iodine. Taking iodine also lowers my TSH and increase ft4.

[userotc in reply to Justiina]

Thanks but I think maybe best to get blood test as previously unless someone makes a strong case for thyroglobulin plus urine.

It seems the picture in UK at least has become more complex/expensive in recent months ie since my previous test. Blue Horizon (used previously) now only do if you're in London. They also do thyroglobulin but it costs ~£130 with an iodine test eg urine, then needed. Medichecks do blood for £79 so will probably go there as all indications are that blood is accurate.

Any other comments appreciated.

[Justiina in reply to userotc]

If you Google iodine + thyroglobulin you get lots of hits as it's used worldwide when monitoring iodine deficiency/fortifications as it's far cheaper than blood test + 10 days urine test. Thyroglobulin is considered relatively sensitive marker that reflects the iodine consumption for long term. I assume that is the point to test deficiency as otherwise you just test the recent consumption (days). Thyroglobulin works well to measure what happens in your gland as it measures the reaction to iodine. When thyroglobulin is low it indicates enough iodine is consumed to meet the need of iodine in thyroid gland. So its handy tool in different way.

But it's not suitable for all. For me it's cheap way to check my iodine is ok. I get referral from doctor and pay very little of the test. From thyroglobulin over here in Finland, tsh/ft4/ft3 are automatically measured without extra costs so I get all in one package.

[userotc in reply to Justiina]

Justina. My gut feeling (plus a bit of research) is that a blood test alone is best option after considering technical issues and the fact it allows me to compare with previous result. Re costs, it seems cheaper than thyroglobulin in UK (figures supplied in previous post).

I'd welcome a critique of that conclusion from anyone.