What are thyroid function tests?

Thyroid function tests are blood tests that are used to evaluate the functional status of the thyroid gland. These tests include measurements of the hormone that regulates the function of the thyroid gland, as well as direct measurements of the thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland itself. Thyroid function tests may include

TSH- the hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the function of the thyroid gland

T4- the predominant form of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland

T3- the most active form of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland

Free T4- the fraction of T4 that is not bound to protein in the bloodstream

T3RU- an estimate of the degree to which T4 is bound to protein in the bloodstream

FTI- an estimate of the fraction of T4 that is not bound to protein in the bloodstream

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