FT3 (CLIA)

Triiodothyronine (T3) is a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland (small, butterfly-shaped gland located in front of the neck). The T3 hormone regulates the growth and metabolism of the body. T3 circulates in the blood in two forms: Free form (FT3) and Bound form. Free Triiodothyronine (T3) Test measures the Free form of the T3 hormone. The hormones secreted by the thyroid gland play a vital role in weight management, nervous system regulation, body temperature regulation and muscular strength. These hormones also aid in regulating various metabolic processes in the body, including heart rate or blood pressure. A person might become unwell if they have too much or too little of these hormones. The thyroid hormone is one primary hormone that has an essential role in brain development. Two thyroid hormones are active which are: T4, which is generated entirely by the thyroid gland. T3, which is created by de-iodinating T4. T3 is one crucial hormone present in the thyroid gland. It is a tiny butterfly-shaped gland found near the throat. Thyroxine is the other hormone (T4). T3 and T4 hormones work together to control how your body uses energy. The T3 hormones are found in two forms: Free T3 that is unattached to anything Bound T3 that is bound to proteins Thyroid function tests diagnose a variety of thyroid conditions. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) are among the hormones measured in the T3 test. A complete T3 test evaluates both bound and Free T3. The pituitary gland in the brain produces TSH. Then, TSH travels through the bloodstream to the thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck. TSH then controls the amount of T4 and T3 released into the bloodstream. The Free T3 test only evaluates free T3. T3 levels can be checked using either bound or free T3 tests. Abnormal T3 levels might indicate thyroid illness. T3 can worsen sooner than T4 and return to standard later than T4. Hence, the free triiodothyronine (FT3) test determines whether the thyroid functions correctly or not. It mainly helps detect hyperthyroidism. High or low Triiodothyronine levels in the body can negatively impact one’s well-being and health. This is because thyroid glands can become either hyperactive or underactive. In addition, it will result in decreased or increased hormone release into the bloodstream. When the thyroid gland produces too many hormones, it is called overactive thyroid. When the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, it is called the underactive thyroid. These hormone imbalances can have a variety of symptoms. If an individual has any of the following symptoms or conditions, they may require thyroid tests: Experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) like Weight gain Lack of energy Lethargy, listlessness Carpal tunnel syndrome Obesity Enlarged swelling on the outer side of the neck Experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) Losing weight even when eating well Hair fall Swelling around eyes Hyperpigmented patches on the skin Feverish feeling through the day, regularly. Being on a thyroid hormone replacement therapy A woman with reproductive issues such as infertility and PCOS In some rare cases, infants are born without a functioning thyroid gland. During pregnancy, thyroid alterations can occur. Most pregnant women do not require T3 testing since these alterations are usually not severe. However, the doctor may request a T3 test when you’re pregnant if you have: Thyroid Disease Symptom History/ Family History of Thyroid Disease Auto-Immune Disease