What is the purpose of this test?
The ZRT Lab's Essential Thyroid Blood Spot Profile is a test that measures key hormones related to thyroid function using a small blood sample from a finger prick. The thyroid gland, located in your neck, produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, energy levels, and overall growth and development. This test checks for levels of hormones such as TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), Free T3, Free T4, and TPOab to see how well your thyroid is working.
This test is important because an imbalance in thyroid hormones can lead to various health issues like weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, and more serious conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. By identifying these imbalances, the test helps doctors diagnose thyroid disorders and develop effective treatment plans. The results can guide your doctor in recommending medication, dietary changes, or other treatments to help manage your thyroid health and improve your overall well-being.
The Essential Thyroid Blood Spot Profile - ZRT Test Kit includes the following:
- 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 antibodies (TPOab)—TPOab, or thyroid peroxidase antibodies, are proteins that attack the thyroid gland, potentially causing thyroid problems like Hashimoto's disease.
Benefits of the Essential Thyroid Blood Spot Profile - ZRT Test Kit:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Measures key thyroid hormones and antibodies like TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and TPOab to evaluate thyroid function.
- Early Detection of Imbalances: Helps identify thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism early on.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Guides doctors in developing tailored treatments based on hormone levels.
- Convenient Sample Collection: Uses a small blood spot sample from a finger prick, which is easy to collect.
- Detailed Health Insights: Provides insights into overall thyroid health and metabolism.
- Supports Overall Well-being: Aids in managing energy levels, metabolism, and other bodily functions affected by thyroid hormones.
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.
