Total T3
Total T3
Total T3 test is used to measure the Triiodothyronine (T3) hormone levels in the blood.
The pituitary gland in your brain produces TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), which makes the thyroid gland to secrete T3.
There are two forms of the T3 hormone, that includes bound T3, which binds to proteins, and free T3, which does not bind to anything.
Thus, getting your Total T3 test done is recommended to evaluate the thyroid gland function and to diagnose thyroid diseases
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid
Anxiety
Difficulty in sleeping
Tiredness
Sensitivity to heat
Diarrhea
Persistent thirst
Itchiness
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid
Tiredness
Sensitivity to cold
Weight gain
Constipation
Depression
Muscle aches and weakness
Who should get tested?
A Total T3 test is recommended for:
Women of all ages. Women are more likely than men to have low thyroid hormone levels
Checking how well the thyroid gland is working
Diagnosing thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for a Total T3 test. Ensure your doctor is aware of what prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or dietary supplements you are taking. Ask your doctor for details about pre-test preparations, and make sure to follow instructions closely
Interpretation of the Test Results
The units of measurement for the results are Nanograms Per Deciliter (ng/dL)
|
T3 (Triiodothyronine), Total |
Normal levels |
|
<1 Month
|
Not Established |
|
1-23 Months
|
117-239 ng/dL |
|
2-12 Years
|
105-207 ng/dL |
|
13-20 Years
|
86-192 ng/dL |
|
>20 Years
|
76-181 ng/dL |
Deviation from normal levels indicate the following:
· Lower than normal T3 levels may be due to conditions such as an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), Hashimoto disease, malnutrition, and severe acute illness.
Higher than normal T3 levels may be due to overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), which can be caused by conditions such as Grave’s disease, toxic nodular goitre or multinodular goitre, too much iodine in the body, and taking too much thyroid hormone medicine
FAQs
How is the sample collected for a Total T3 test?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm using a fine needle. This procedure typically takes no longer than five minutes
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the results of a Total T3 test?
What are the risks associated with a Total T3 test?
This test involves negligible risk. There might be slight pain or tenderness around the site where the needle is inserted. Rarely, the site can become infected
What factors can affect the Total T3 test results?
Several factors including diet, certain illness, stress, and irregular sleep can affect the Total T3 test results. Some medications such as birth control pills, estrogen, herbal supplements, etc. may also affect your test results
What are happens if hyperthyroidism is left untreated in pregnant women?
Untreated hyperthyroidism during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, early delivery, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia (a late-pregnancy rise in blood pressure), thyroid storm (a sudden, severe worsening of hyperthyroidism symptoms), and congestive heart failure
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