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    What is Free T4 (FT4) Test?

    The thyroid gland, situated at the base of the neck, produces two key hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). In the bloodstream, thyroid hormones are found in two forms: free and bound. 1 The Free Thyroxine (FT4) test specifically measures the unbound form of thyroxine. These hormones are essential for regulating the body’s energy usage and significantly influence critical functions such as metabolism, body temperature, weight, heart rate, muscle strength, mood, and growth in children.

    The FT4 test is regarded as a more accurate indicator of thyroid function than the total T4 test, which measures both free and bound T4. It is commonly conducted alongside other tests to diagnose and monitor thyroid-related conditions.

    If you are in Mumbai and want to assess your thyroid function, scheduling an FT4 test at home provides a convenient way to evaluate your health.

    Free T4 (FT4) Test Parameters

    The FT4 test measures a specific parameter: the concentration 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, while bound T4 is linked to specific proteins, preventing its entry into tissues. 2

    The production of T4 is regulated by a system that involves the brain. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, sends signals to the pituitary gland, which subsequently directs the thyroid to produce T4. This hormone is essential for regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, weight management, and energy levels.

    Free T4 (FT4) Test Preparation

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

    • Prerequisites

    Fasting is not needed 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 individuals exhibiting symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, such as unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or irregular heart rhythms. It is also beneficial for those with known thyroid disorders, pregnant women, or individuals receiving treatment for thyroid-related issues.

    • Cautions Before Taking a Free T4 Test

    Certain medications, such as steroids and birth control pills, can affect T4 levels. It is essential to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking prior to the test. Additionally, severe chronic conditions, such as liver cirrhosis, may impact the accuracy of test results.

    Why Take the Free T4 (FT4) Test?

    An FT4 test can be included in a thyroid panel to deliver a comprehensive assessment of thyroid function. Here are several advantages of this test:

    • It assists in diagnosing conditions such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

    • The test is valuable for monitoring the effectiveness of ongoing treatments for thyroid disorders.

    • It offers further insights into thyroid function when a TSH test reveals abnormal results.

    • The test can help assess symptoms like anxiety, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and increased sensitivity to heat.

    • It is beneficial for investigating symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, and dry skin.

    • Additionally, the test evaluates thyroid function in patients with pituitary gland disorders that may affect T4 levels.

    Free T4 (FT4) Test Results and Interpretation

    Interpreting Free T4 (FT4) test results is essential for assessing thyroid function and diagnosing related conditions. Here’s the interpretation of the test results:

    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 may also result from excessive intake of thyroid hormone medication, rare tumours of the testes or ovaries, the administration of medical imaging tests with iodine-containing contrast dye (only in individuals with pre-existing thyroid issues), or the consumption of unusually high amounts of iodine-rich foods. 6 A lower-than-normal T4 level may suggest hypothyroidism, which can be associated with disorders related to an underactive thyroid, such as Hashimoto's disease, severe acute illness, malnutrition or fasting, and the use of certain medications. 6

    Understanding your FT4 test results is vital for recognizing and managing thyroid disorders. Any results falling outside the normal range may signal thyroid dysfunction and require further evaluation and treatment.

    FAQs on Free T4 (FT4) Test in Mumbai

    The Free T4 test in Mumbai is priced at ₹400. This fee includes home sample collection, which will occur within 60 minutes after your booking. You can expect your results to be ready within 6 hours after the sample has been collected.

    Yes, home sample collection is available for the Free T4 test. Once you book the test, an eMedic will come to your location within 60 minutes to collect your sample.

    The FT4 test is used to measure the levels of thyroxine in your blood, which helps diagnose thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). It is also beneficial for monitoring how effective treatments for these conditions are.

    No, fasting is not necessary for the FT4 test. However, if you are scheduled for additional tests, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor about whether any fasting is required.

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

    • Search for "FT4 test in Mumbai" or "FT4 test at home" and select Orange Health Labs.

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

    • A certified eMedic will come to collect your sample at a time that works for you.

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

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

    Normal levels for Free T4 typically fall between 0.78 to 2.19 ng/dL. Please note that the exact reference range may differ slightly, so it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider for accurate interpretation of your results.

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

    The frequency of the FT4 test will depend on your physician’s advice, which is based on your thyroid health and any symptoms you may be experiencing.

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

    Fasting is not required for the Free T4 test, allowing you to take the test at your convenience throughout the day.

    Orange Health provides thyroid tests, including the FT4 test, with home sample collection available in numerous neighbourhoods across Mumbai, including Colaba, Nariman Point, Marine Drive, Malabar Hill, Churchgate, Worli, Dadar, Parel, Byculla, Bandra, Andheri, Juhu, Ghatkopar, Powai, Chembur, Vashi, Belapur, Santacruz, Khar, Versova, Lokhandwala, Goregaon, Borivali, Kandivali, Mulund, Bhandup, Kurla.

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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