The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland found in the neck and is responsible for the production of the hormone called “thyroxine”. This hormone helps in regulating metabolism and growth by ensuring the optimum utilization of the food and energy. For the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, it needs iodine, which is absorbed through food and water intake. Thyroid hormones help to control structure and growth of bones, attain puberty and many other vital body functions. Thyroid disorders are majorly of three types, hyperthyroidism where there is abnormal increase of hormone, hypothyroidism where decreased activity is observed and thyroid nodules which may later convert into thyroid cancers.
Signs and Symptoms: +
Although there are different signs and symptoms for three different types of thyroid disorders, but the most common symptoms are as mentioned below:
- Neck discomfort or neck enlargement
- Bowel problems
- Joint and muscle cramps
- Fertility problems
- Menstruation problems
- Skin and hair problems
- Weight changes
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Exhaustion
- Constipation
- Poor appetite
General diagnostic tests suggested:+
Following is the test used to find the actual cause and type of thyroid problem.
- Blood tests: Series of blood tests are carried out to determine the thyroid hormone level present in the blood. There are several blood tests conducted which are: TSH blood test, Free T4 test, Free T3 test, Total T4 test, Total T3 test, TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Test) and Antithyroid antibody test. Out of these entire tests TSH test is commonly used to detect hormone level present in the blood.
- Ultrasound: This test is done to evaluate enlargement, lumps and nodes in case present in the thyroid gland. This test is also used to detect whether the identified nodule is fluid filled cyst or a mass of solid tissue.
- Radiology Test: These tests show the area of the thyroid gland which is underactive or overactive in their function. Common radiology test done are RAIU test and a thyroid test. These test points out the defects abnormalities in the function of the thyroid gland.
Test available at Oncquest:+
There are several thyroid tests which are being carried out at oncquest depending upon the patient’s condition and symptoms shown by him. The list of tests is shown below.
- Antithyroid Peroidase (Anti TOP), Serum Thyroid Microsomal Antibody (Anti TMA) test.
The technique used: Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA)
Sample required: 2 ml. (1 ml. Minimum) Serum.
Special Instruction: 12-14 hrs (Overnight) fasting is preferred.
Run days at section: Daily if received before 2:00 PM.
Reported on: Same day by 7 PM.
- Anti Thyroid Antibodies Panel (ANTI TPO and ANTI Tg), Serum test.
The technique used: Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA)
Sample required: 2 ml. (1 ml. Minimum) Serum.
Special Instruction: 12-14 hrs (Overnight) fasting is preferred.
Run days at section: Daily if received before 2:00 PM.
Reported on: Same day by 7 PM.
- Parathyroid hormone (INTACT PTH), SERUM Parath hormone test.
The technique used: Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA)
Sample required: 3 ml (1.5 ml Minimum) Serum.
Run days at section: Daily if received before 2:00 PM.
Reported on: Same day by 7 PM.
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Serum, TSH, Ultrasensitive test.
The technique used: Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA)
Sample required: 2 ml. (1 ml. Minimum) Serum.
Run days at section: Daily if received before 2:00 PM.
Reported on: Same day by 7 PM.
- Thyroid Profile Total, Serum, *TT3 *TT4 *TSH, Ultrasensitive test.
The technique used: Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA)
Sample required: 2 ml. (1 ml. Minimum) Serum.
Run days at section: Daily if received before 2:00 PM.
Reported on: Same day by 7 PM.
- Thyroid Profile free, Serum, *TT3 *TT4 *TSH, Ultrasensitive test.
The technique used: Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA)
Sample required: 2 ml. (1 ml. Minimum) Serum.
Run days at section: Daily if received before 2:00 PM.
Reported on: Same day by 7 PM.
- Antenatal Profile which includes TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test
Sample required: 10 ml. (5 ml. Minimum) aliquot of random urine.
Run days at section: Daily if received before 2:00 PM.
Reported on: Same day by 7 PM.
- Health Screen (Basic) which includes TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), ultrasensitive test
Sample required: 10 ml. (5 ml. Minimum) aliquot of Morning’s 1st voided urine in a sterile, plastic container.
Run days at section: Daily if received before 2:00 PM.
Reported on: Same day by 7 PM.
- Health Screen (Comprehensive) which includes Thyroid profile (Total) test
Sample required: 10 ml. (5 ml. Minimum) aliquot of Morning’s 1st voided urine in a sterile, plastic container.
Run days at section: Daily if received before 2:00 PM.
Reported on: Same day by 7 PM.
- TTF-1 (Thyroid Transcription Factor-1) test
Sample required: Representative Tissue placed in Formalin/Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) tissue block sent at room temperature by courier.
Run days at section: Every day.
Reported on: 5th working day for formalin fixed specimens.
