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    What is Free T4 (FT4) Test?

    The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, produces two essential hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). In the bloodstream, these thyroid hormones exist in two forms: free and bound. 1 The Free Thyroxine (FT4) test specifically measures the unbound form of thyroxine. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating how the body uses energy and have a significant impact on key functions such as metabolism, body temperature, weight, heart rate, muscle strength, mood, and growth in children.

    The FT4 test is considered a more precise indicator of thyroid function compared to the total T4 test, which assesses both free and bound T4. It is often performed alongside other tests to diagnose and monitor thyroid-related disorders.

    If you are in Delhi and want to evaluate your thyroid function, arranging for an FT4 test at home offers a convenient option for assessing your health.

    Free T4 (FT4) Test Parameters

    The FT4 test specifically measures the concentration of free thyroxine (T4) hormone in the bloodstream. Free T4 is the biologically active form of thyroxine that can directly enter tissues where it is needed, whereas bound T4 is attached to specific proteins, which prevents it from entering those tissues. 2

    The production of T4 is controlled by a regulatory system involving the brain. The hypothalamus, a region of the brain, sends signals to the pituitary gland, which then instructs the thyroid gland to produce T4. This hormone is crucial for regulating a variety of bodily functions, including metabolism, weight management, and energy levels.

    Free T4 (FT4) Test Preparation

    Getting tested for an FT4 test at home is simple with the following guidelines:

    • Prerequisites

    Fasting is not required for the FT4 test.

    • Best Time to Get Tested

    You can schedule the FT4 test at any time during the day.

    • Who Should Get an FT4 Test

    The FT4 test is recommended for those experiencing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, such as unexplained changes in weight, fatigue, or irregular heart rhythms. It is also beneficial for individuals with known thyroid disorders, pregnant women, or those receiving treatment for thyroid-related issues.

    • Cautions Before Taking a Free T4 Test

    Certain medications, including steroids and birth control pills, can affect T4 levels. It is important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking before undergoing the test. Furthermore, severe chronic conditions, such as liver cirrhosis, may compromise the accuracy of the test results.

    Why Take the Free T4 (FT4) Test?

    An FT4 test can be part of a thyroid panel, providing a thorough evaluation of thyroid function. It is used for the following purposes:

    • It aids in diagnosing conditions like hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

    • The test is useful for tracking the effectiveness of ongoing treatments for thyroid disorders.

    • It offers additional insights into thyroid function when a TSH test shows abnormal results.

    • The test can help evaluate symptoms such as anxiety, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and increased sensitivity to heat.

    • It is also helpful for investigating symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, and dry skin.

    • Furthermore, the test assesses thyroid function in patients with pituitary gland disorders that may influence T4 levels.

    Free T4 (FT4) Test Results and Interpretation

    Understanding the results of the Free T4 (FT4) test is crucial for evaluating thyroid function and diagnosing related conditions. Here’s how to interpret the test results:

    ParameterBiological ReferenceInterpretation
    Thyroxine (T4), Free0.78-2.19 ng/dLAn elevated T4 level may indicate conditions associated with an overactive thyroid, including Graves’ disease, toxic goitre, toxic thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis. It could also stem from excessive thyroid hormone medication, rare tumours of the testes or ovaries, the use of iodine-containing contrast dye during medical imaging (in individuals with existing thyroid conditions), or consumption of unusually high amounts of iodine-rich foods. 6 A lower-than-normal T4 level might suggest hypothyroidism, which can be linked to disorders related to an underactive thyroid, such as Hashimoto's disease, severe acute illnesses, malnutrition or fasting, and the use of certain medications. 6

    Understanding your FT4 test results is essential for identifying and managing thyroid disorders. Any results outside the normal range may indicate thyroid dysfunction and necessitate further evaluation and treatment.

    FAQs on Free T4 (FT4) Test in Delhi

    The price for the Free T4 test in Delhi is ₹400. This includes home sample collection, which will take place within 60 minutes after you place your order. You can expect to receive your results within 6 hours after the sample collection.

    Yes, home sample collection is provided for the Free T4 test. After you schedule the test, an eMedic will arrive at your location within 60 minutes to collect your sample.

    The FT4 test measures thyroxine levels in your blood, aiding in the diagnosis of thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). It is also useful for monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions.

    No, fasting is not required for the FT4 test. However, if you are undergoing additional tests, it is recommended to consult your doctor regarding any fasting instructions.

    To schedule the Free T4 test at home, follow these steps:

    • Search for "FT4 test in Delhi" or "FT4 test at home" and choose Orange Health Labs.

    • Select the test, review any necessary prerequisites, enter your location, and arrange for sample collection.

    • A certified eMedic will visit to collect your sample at your preferred time.

    • Your sample will be analysed at our ICMR-approved, NABL-accredited laboratory.

    • You’ll receive your results via email or WhatsApp within 6 hours, and you can also access them through our app.

    Normal Free T4 levels generally range from 0.78 to 2.19 ng/dL. Keep in mind that the exact reference range may vary slightly, so it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider for a proper interpretation of your results.

    After scheduling the test, an eMedic will collect your sample within 60 minutes. You can expect to receive your results within 6 hours following the sample collection.

    The frequency of the FT4 test will be determined by your physician based on your thyroid health and any symptoms you may have.

    This test specifically assesses the levels of Free T4, the biologically active form of the thyroxine hormone.

    Fasting is not necessary for the Free T4 test, allowing you to take it at any convenient time throughout the day.

    Orange Health offers thyroid tests, including the FT4 test, with home sample collection available in various neighbourhoods across Delhi including Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Hauz Khas, Saket, Vasant Kunj, Dwarka, Rohini, Pitampura, Janakpuri, Rajouri Garden, Mayur Vihar, Preet Vihar, Shahdara, Laxmi Nagar, Green Park, Safdarjung Enclave, Defence Colony, New Friends Colony, Kalkaji, Malviya Nagar, Nehru Place.

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    References

    1. T4 (thyroxine) Test. Cleveland Clinic. 2022  Available from:  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24235-thyroxine-t4-test
    2. Thyroxine (T4) Test [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2022  Available from:  https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/thyroxine-t4-test/
    3. Free T4 - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet].  Available from:  https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=free_t4_thyroxine
    4. Endocrine Society. Thyroid and Parathyroid Hormones [Internet].  Available from:  https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hormones-and-endocrine-function/thyroid-and-parathyroid-hormones
    5. Free T4 test Information | Mount Sinai - New York [Internet].  Available from:  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/free-t4-test