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The extended thyroid profile is blood tests that allow timely diagnosis of thyroid diseases. In addition, the extended thyroid profile allows you to monitor their treatment. Check what are the indications for an extended thyroid profile, what are the standards and how to interpret the test results.
Extended thyroid profileare blood tests that allow you to assess the functioning of the thyroid gland. The extended thyroid profile includes: the assessment of the concentration of anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) antibodies, anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
Extended thyroid profile - indications
The extended thyroid profile is performed in order to diagnose thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroid diseases, thyroid cancer, etc.), as well as other diseases of the endocrine system. The extended thyroid profile also allows you to monitor the treatment of thyroid diseases.
1. Anti-TG anti-thyroglobulin antibodies
Thyroglobulin is a protein produced by the cells of the thyroid gland. Its blood levels are increased in people with autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto's disease. In addition, thyroglobulin is a neoplastic marker (a kind of detector) of thyroid cancer.
2. Antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO)
Thyroid peroxidase is also a protein produced by the cells of the thyroid gland. The assessment of peroxidase concentration, similar to thyroglobulin, is performed in order to diagnose and evaluate the course of autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland. Its elevated level usually indicates Hashimoto's or Graves' disease.
ImportantExtended thyroid profile - norms
- anti-TG - depending on the laboratory that performs the test. In patients after thyroidectomy (as a result of cancer), thyroglobulin level should be very low, or even undetectable
- anti-TPO - depending on the laboratory that performs the test
- TSH from 0.4 to 4.0 µIU / l for an adult
- FT3 - 2.25 - 6 pmol / l (1.5 - 4 ng / l) at normal TSH level 0.4 - 4.0 µIU / ml
- FT4 - 10-25 pmol / l (8-20ng / l), with normal TSH 0.4 -4.0 µIU / ml
IMPORTANT! These values are not constant as they depend on many factors: age, sex and the assay method used in the laboratory. The numerical values presented as results may have different meanings in different laboratories. Therefore, the result should be compared with the standard that is on the test report and consult your doctor.
3. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
TSH (thyrotropin, TSH) is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It regulates the secretion of triiodothrinin (T3) and thyroxine (T4) by the thyroid gland. It is the most sensitive indicator of a disturbed thyroid function.
High TSH levels are usually characteristic of hypothyroidism (primary or tertiary). A low TSH usually indicates an overactive thyroid gland.
4. Free triiodothyronine (FT3)
Triiodothyronine is one of the two main (along with FT4 - free thyroxine) thyroid hormones. Free triiodothyronine and thyroxine play an important role - they regulate metabolism in the body.
Increased FT3 level (i.e. over 6 pmol / L, i.e. 4 ng / L) with simultaneous decrease in TSH level below 0.4 µIU / mL suggests hyperthyroidism.
A drop in FT3 concentration below 2.25 pmol / L, i.e. 1.5 ng / L with TSH levels above 4.0 µIU / ml, indicates hypothyroidism.
5. Free thyroxin (FT4)
Free thyroxine is one of the two main (next to FT3) thyroid hormones.
The decreased level of free thyroxine (below 10 pmol / L or 8 ng / L) and, at the same time, the increased level of TSH (above 4 µIU / ml) suggest, among others, hypothyroidism (which can be caused, for example, by insufficient secretion of hormones by the thyroid gland) and thyroid cancer.
On the other hand, an increased level of FT4 (above 25 pmol / l or 20 ng / l) and, at the same time, a decreased level of TSH (below 0.4 μIU / ml) may indicate hyperthyroidism (e.g. caused by Graves' disease, nodular hyperfunction).