Free Thyroxine Test (FT4 Test)
Select a Lab
Request a Call Back
Parameters covered in Free Thyroxine Test
1 test included
How to Book A FT4 Test in Mumbai ?
What is the FT4 test used for?
The FT4 test helps determine the amount of Thyroxine available for use by different tissues in the body. The free thyroxine test is done as a follow-up to get insights into the problems affecting the thyroid gland. This test is conducted when there are abnormal results from the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test.
What is included in the FT4 test?
The FT4 blood test measures the amount of T4 that is not bound to the proteins in the body and is available for use. This will help ensure if the thyroid gland is functioning well or not. This test is conducted by a certified lab technician.
- High levels of FT4 and low TSH can indicate that the thyroid is overactive – hyperthyroidism.
- Low levels of FT4 and high TSH can indicate that the thyroid is not active enough – hypothyroidism.
- Low levels of both FT4 and TSH can indicate that the pituitary gland is not active enough – hypopituitarism.
Procedure for FT4 test
The FT4 test is conducted to measure the thyroxine level and helps determine the functioning of the thyroid gland. This test can be done by everyone above the age of 5.
- A blood sample will be collected from a vein for the test by a certified lab technician.
- It is recommended to wear a loose, short-sleeved t-shirt or top for an easy sample collection.
- Before the blood collection, an elastic or Velcro band will be tied to the upper arm to apply pressure. Then, the injection site will be cleaned with an antiseptic and the blood sample will be collected using a sterile syringe and stored in a test tube.
- The blood sample will then be carefully stored in a case and taken to the lab for analysis. The band will be loosened, and the puncture site will be cleaned and covered with cotton or a small bandage to stop the excess bleeding.
- You may feel slight discomfort and stinging when the needle is removed after collecting the blood sample.
- The blood sample will be analyzed in our lab equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The blood test results will be available on the MFine app within 24-48 hours of blood collection.
How to prepare for the FT4 test?
The FT4 test does not require any special preparation. Fasting for 8-12 hours before the test is recommended. You can, however, drink water before the test. It is important to inform the doctor about any medication you are on or if you are pregnant.
Things to consider after the FT4 test is complete
The FT4 test can be part of a regular health checkup to help detect thyroid diseases like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and monitor patients with thyroid disease treatment. The FT4 test may be advised as a routine health check-up in pregnancy.
Please consult a medical professional to interpret the test results. In case you have abnormal results from the FT4 test, you may also need to take T3 and TSH tests and also consider having antithyroid antibodies checked for a more accurate diagnosis.
What types of infection can the FT4 test detect?
The FT4 blood test measures the amount of T4 that is not bound to the proteins in the body and is available for use. This will help ensure if the thyroid gland is functioning well or not. Your doctor may advise a T4 test if a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test has come back with abnormal results.
- High levels of FT4 and low TSH can indicate that the thyroid is overactive – hyperthyroidism.
- Low levels of FT4 and high TSH can indicate that the thyroid is not active enough – hypothyroidism.
- Low levels of both FT4 and TSH can indicate that the pituitary gland is not active enough – hypopituitarism.
The FT4 test may also be recommended by the doctor if you have the following symptoms indicating thyroid disease:
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
- Difficulty sleeping
- Tremors in the hands
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
How much does the FT4 test cost?
The cost of the Free Thyroxine test can differ based on location, but the price of the test ranges between ₹160 and ₹700. You can book the FT4 test for your preferred city below:
City | Average test Cost |
Bangalore | 500 |
Mumbai | 525 |
Delhi | 600 |
Kolkata | 640 |
Chennai | 470 |
Hyderabad | 500 |
Pune | 570 |
Ernakulam | 375 |
Trivandrum | 400 |
Warangal | 450 |
Tirupati | 400 |
*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the results for the FT4 test?
You can expect to get the results for the FT4 test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. There may be a change in time for receiving the test results based on the city and time.
What do abnormal FT4 test results indicate?
The normal T4 range in adults can range from 0.9 to 1.9 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Free T4 levels vary in children according to age. If the T4 level is outside the normal range, please consult a doctor to interpret the results and determine a treatment plan.
Along with T4, T3 is also a major hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate the body’s metabolism.
The FT4 blood test measures the amount of T4 that is not bound to the proteins in the body and is available for use. This will help ensure if the thyroid gland is functioning well or not. Your doctor may advise a T4 test if a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test has come back with abnormal results.
- High levels of FT4 and low TSH can indicate that the thyroid is overactive – hyperthyroidism.
- Low levels of FT4 and high TSH can indicate that the thyroid is not active enough – hypothyroidism.
- Low levels of FT4 and TSH can indicate that the pituitary gland is not active enough – hypopituitarism.
Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor for interpreting the test reports.
Is the FT4 test definitive?
The FT4 test is not definitive but can indicate the functioning of the thyroid gland. By combining this test with T3 and TSH, it will provide a better understanding of thyroid functioning. The FT4 test helps detect thyroid diseases like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and monitors patients with thyroid disease treatment. T3 and T4 levels may automatically increase during pregnancy and may be included as part of a routine checkup.
How to read the FT4 report?
The normal T4 range in adults can range from 0.9 to 1.9 nanograms per decilitre (ng/dL). Free T4 levels vary in children according to age. Those who take medication for modifying the metabolism of the thyroid hormone or those with pituitary or thyroid disease may have a different normal FT4 range. Please consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Why book the FT4 test?
- To have a better understanding of the thyroid functioning.
- To help detect thyroid diseases like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
- To monitor patients with thyroid disease treatment.
- To monitor thyroxine levels during pregnancy as part of the routine checkup.
- To confirm whether you have thyroid tumour incase of having lumps on your neck.
FT4 test at home – how does it work?
The FT4 test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.
Are there any risks involved with the FT4 test?
A T4 test doesn’t have any specific risks, apart from the slight discomfort and pain at the injection site from where the blood is drawn for the sample. But this should go away soon. If you are taking any medications which delays blood clotting, inform your doctor before giving the blood sample.
What can affect the results of the FT4 test?
T3 and T4 levels may automatically increase during pregnancy and may be included as part of the routine checkup. Those who take medication for modifying the metabolism of the thyroid hormone or those with pituitary or thyroid disease may have a different normal FT4 range.
Why Book the FT4 Test?
- The FT4 test is done to determine if a patient suffers from any thyroid diseases. With changing lifestyle and inhaling unhealthy air 24*7, the effects on the thyroid glands are apparent, leading to several thyroid diseases to such an extent that they have become a matter of concern, especially in tier-1 and tier-2 cities like Mumbai and Noida. Thyroxine is a hormone produced naturally by your thyroid, which also helps in the overall functioning of the human body and provides energy to several body parts. You might be recommended the FT4 test if your healthcare professional suspects potential symptoms during check-ups. Another reason why the test is conducted is to determine the progress of treatment. The FT4 test is done to determine if a patient suffers from any thyroid diseases. With changing lifestyle and inhaling unhealthy air 24*7, the effects on the thyroid glands are apparent, leading to several thyroid diseases to such an extent that they have become a matter of concern, especially in tier-1 and tier-2 cities like Mumbai and Noida.
- Thyroxine is a hormone produced naturally by your thyroid, which also helps in the overall functioning of the human body and provides energy to several body parts. You might be recommended the FT4 test if your healthcare professional suspects potential symptoms during check-ups. Another reason why the test is conducted is to determine the progress of treatment.
For further assistance
Related Tests
Popular Health Packages
What does the FT4 Test measure?
- Common thyroid diseases are Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism. The FT4 test is conducted to measure the amount of the TSH, T4, and T3 hormones in your blood which provides energy to several body parts; hence, it is important to keep them at the required levels.
- When your doctor suggests the FT4 test, it's because they might have suspected symptoms during a regular check-up that otherwise can leave a permanent mark. Hence, a proper treatment that is timely is a must.
What Preparation is Needed for the FT4 Test?
- There are several factors that need your attention to get accurate results. While going for the FT4 test, make sure that you're informing your healthcare professional about the medicines or drugs you might be taking.
- Apart from your medical history, the doctor might need to know about your family's history, too, so be prepared. Secondly, certain drugs or medications boost the T4 levels; therefore, chances are your healthcare provider will ask you to discontinue them until the day of the test. Some of these drugs are:
- Pills that are made to treat thyroid conditions
- Birth control pills, estrogen, and other drugs that have hormones
- Medications to treat cancer
- Steroids
- While going for the FT4 test, you might need to fast for 8-12 hours so that the test can be conducted smoothly. In case there are any further instructions, your doctor will inform you about them.
What Happens to Your Test Sample?
What do Abnormal Results Indicate?
Related Blogs
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
Can I avail at-home sample collection in Mumbai?
Yes, it is easy to avail of at-home sample collection in Mumbai through MFine mobile app. With a single click, you may choose a preferable slot for the test at the convenience of your home and your test report will be sent to your doorstep within 24 hours to 48 hours.
What is the cost of the FT4 Test in Mumbai?
The cost of several tests depends upon different laboratories and the infrastructure used by the laboratories. Different cities have varied prices too. The approximate price for the FT4 test in Mumbai ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 700 per person.
I stay in Gurgaon. Can I book the FT4 test for my grandfather staying in Mumbai?
Yes, you can easily book FT4 tests for your relatives and old family members living in distant places with the help of the MFine app.
How can I reschedule my appointment for the FT4 test sample?
You can easily reschedule the appointment for the FT4 test through the MFine app. The app has an option to reschedule the sample collection date and time.
Is the lab technician coming for FT4 test sample collection vaccinated?
Yes, Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask and using sanitiser and gloves during sample collection
When is the FT4 test recommended?
You may be advised of this test by your healthcare provider in case they detect potential symptoms. Or if they want to find out if you’re suffering from thyroid problems such as Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, or Thyroidition.
Is a prescription required to book the FT4 test?
No, generally it is not required to take a prescription from a registered doctor to book FT4 test. Still, it is good to consult a doctor first before you plan for the test.
Does MFine provide result interpretation along with the reports?
Yes, MFine provides result interpretation along with the reports. Also, you will be able to avail a free doctor consultation after the lab test to understand your reports accurately. Our doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines if required based on the results.
Is the FT4 test definitive?
The FT4 test is not a definitive test, but an indicative one. Along with T4, T3 is also a major hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate the body’s metabolism.
What other tests are usually recommended along with the FT4 test?
The doctor might prescribe other tests such as T3 and TSH tests along with the FT4 test for detailed examination.
What diseases can be detected through the FT4 Test?
Several health disorders detected through the FT4 test include Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, and Thyroiditis.
How can I download my FT4 test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click Attachment and Reports
- Click Lab Report and download the same.