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    What is Free T4 (FT4) Test?

    The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, produces two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid hormones exist in two forms in the bloodstream: free and bound. The Free Thyroxine (FT4) test specifically measures the unbound form of thyroxine. 1

    These hormones play a vital role in regulating how your body uses energy and impact key functions such as metabolism, body temperature, weight, heart rate, muscle strength, mood, and growth in children.

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

    If you're in Hyderabad and want to evaluate your thyroid function, scheduling an FT4 test at home can be a convenient option for your health assessment.

    Free T4 (FT4) Test Parameters

    The FT4 test assesses a single parameter: the level of free thyroxine (T4) hormone in the blood. Free T4 is the active form of thyroxine that can directly enter the tissues where it is needed. 2 In contrast, bound T4 is attached to specific proteins, which prevents it from entering the tissues.

    The production of T4 is controlled by a system involving the brain. The hypothalamus, an organ in the brain, sends signals to the pituitary gland, which then instructs the thyroid to produce T4. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating important bodily functions, including metabolism, weight control, and energy levels.

    Free T4 (FT4) Test Preparation

    Preparing for an FT4 test at home is hassle-free with the following considerations:

    • Prerequisites

    There are no special requirements for the FT4 test, and fasting is not necessary.

    • Best Time to Get Tested

    You can have the FT4 test done at any time of the day.

    • Who Should Get an FT4 Test

    The FT4 test is advised for individuals showing symptoms of thyroid issues, such as unexplained weight fluctuations, fatigue, or irregular heart rates. It is also helpful for those with known thyroid conditions, pregnant women, or individuals undergoing treatment for thyroid problems.

    • Cautions Before Taking a Free T4 Test

    Some medications, including steroids or birth control pills, can influence T4 levels. It’s crucial to inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking before the test. Furthermore, severe chronic illnesses, like liver cirrhosis, may affect 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. Here are several reasons why the test is beneficial:

    • It helps identify conditions like hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

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

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

    • The test can help evaluate symptoms such as anxiety, weight loss, rapid heart rate, and heightened sensitivity to heat.

    • It aids in examining symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and dry skin.

    • The test is also used to evaluate thyroid function in patients with pituitary gland disorders that may impact T4 levels.

    Free T4 (FT4) Test Results and Interpretation

    Interpreting Free T4 (FT4) test results is crucial for evaluating thyroid function and diagnosing related conditions. Here is how the test results can be interpreted:

    ParameterBiological ReferenceInterpretation
    Thyroxine (T4), Free0.78-2.19 ng/dLA higher-than-normal T4 level may result from conditions involving an overactive thyroid, such as Graves’ disease, toxic goitre, toxic thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis. It can also occur from taking excessive thyroid hormone medication, certain rare tumours of the testes or ovaries, receiving medical imaging tests with iodine-containing contrast dye (only in individuals with thyroid issues) or consuming an unusually high amount of iodine-rich foods. 6 A lower-than-normal T4 level may indicate hypothyroidism (disorders related to an underactive thyroid, like Hashimoto's disease), severe acute illness, malnutrition or fasting, or 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, warranting further evaluation and treatment.

    FAQs on Free T4 (FT4) Test in Hyderabad

    The price for the Free T4 test in Hyderabad is ₹400. This includes home sample collection within 60 minutes after booking, and results will be available within 6 hours after sample collection.

    Yes, home sample collection is available for the Free T4 test. After you book 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 to help diagnose thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions.

    No, fasting is not required for the FT4 test. However, if you are undergoing additional tests, consult your doctor for specific fasting instructions.

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

    • Look for "FT4 test in Hyderabad" or "FT4 test at home" and select Orange Health Labs.

    • Choose the test, review the prerequisites, enter your location, and schedule sample collection.

    • A certified eMedic will collect the 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 typically range from 0.78 to 2.19 ng/dL. However, the exact reference range may vary, so consult your doctor for interpretation of your results.

    After booking, an eMedic will collect your sample within 60 minutes. You’ll receive your results within 6 hours following sample collection.

    The frequency of the test will depend on your doctor's recommendations based on your thyroid health and symptoms.

    This test measures Free T4 specifically, which is the active form of the thyroxine hormone.

    Fasting is not required for the Free T4 test, allowing you to take the test at any time.

    Orange Health offers thyroid tests, including the FT4 test, with home sample collection across numerous localities in Hyderabad, such as Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Gachibowli, Madhapur, Hitech City, Kondapur, Begumpet, Somajiguda, Ameerpet, Panjagutta, Kukatpally, Miyapur, Manikonda, Secunderabad, Tarnaka, Abids, Koti, Mehdipatnam, Dilsukhnagar, Uppal, LB Nagar, Nallagandla, Nizampet, Attapur, Malkajgiri.

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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