What is the purpose of this test?
The ZRT Lab's Elite Thyroid Blood Spot Profile is a comprehensive test that measures a range of hormones related to thyroid function using a small blood sample from a finger prick. In addition to the basic thyroid hormones like T4, TSH, Free T4, and Free T3, this test also checks for TPO (thyroid peroxidase) and Tg (thyroglobulin), which can indicate autoimmune thyroid conditions.
This test is crucial because it provides a detailed overview of thyroid health, helping to diagnose not only common thyroid issues like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism but also autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. By identifying these conditions early, doctors can develop targeted treatment plans to manage symptoms and improve overall health. The detailed results from this profile help doctors make informed decisions about medications, lifestyle changes, and other interventions to support optimal thyroid function.
The Elite Thyroid Blood Spot Profile - ZRT Test Kit includes the following:
- Thyroxine (T4) - Thyroxine (T4) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate your metabolism, energy levels, and overall growth and development in the body.
- Thyroglobulin (Tgbn) - Thyroglobulin (Tgbn) is a protein produced by the thyroid gland that helps in the production and storage of thyroid hormones, such as T3 and T4.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)—TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone, tells your thyroid gland to make more thyroid hormones, which are important for your body's energy and growth.
- Free T3 (fT3)—Free T3, or triiodothyronine, is the active form of a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that plays a crucial role in regulating your body's metabolism, energy levels, and overall growth and development. It is called "free" because it is not bound to proteins in the blood, making it available for the body's use.
- Free T4 (fT4)—Free T4, or free thyroxine, is a hormone made by the thyroid gland that helps control your body's metabolism and energy levels. It is called "free" because it is not attached to proteins in the blood, making it ready for the body to use.
- Thyroid peroxidase (TPO)—TPO, or thyroid peroxidase, is an enzyme found in the thyroid gland that plays a crucial role in the production of thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism, growth, and energy levels in the body.
Benefits of the Elite Thyroid Blood Spot Profile - ZRT Test Kit:
- Comprehensive Hormone Assessment: Evaluates a wide range of thyroid hormones, including T4, TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Tgbn, and TPO.
- Detailed Insights: Provides detailed insights into thyroid function and autoimmune thyroid conditions.
- Early Detection: This helps detect thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, early on.
- Personalized Treatment: Guides personalized treatment plans based on specific hormone levels.
- Convenient Sampling: Uses a small blood spot sample from a finger prick, making it easy and convenient to collect.
- Monitoring Progress: Enables monitoring of thyroid health and treatment effectiveness over time.
Preparation:
No fasting is necessary. Collect your sample within one hour of waking up. Ship the specimen to the lab via overnight mail between Monday and Thursday only. Please carefully review patient instructions and choose the best day to start the test.
Test Results:
5-7 business days once the lab receives the specimen. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.