Free Thyroxine Test (FT4 Test)
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Parameters covered in Free Thyroxine Test
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How to Book A FT4 Test in Pune?
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, also known as the thyroxine test, is conducted to detect the thyroid diseases such as Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism in your body. A hormone known as thyroxine is naturally produced by your thyroid gland, responsible for the functioning of several body parts, including metabolism and growth.
- The ft4 test is conducted by your healthcare professional to understand the problem showing adverse effects on your thyroid levels.
- This test is mainly conducted during regular checkups, especially in pregnancy. Apart from these, another reason to book the ft4 test is to monitor the treatment of thyroid disease, which, perhaps, helps in studying the condition carefully.
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What does the FT4 Test measure?
- The ft4 test is conducted to monitor the thyroid diseases such as Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism in your body. It helps other parts of the body to function properly. However, abnormal levels can create an imbalance.
- The ft4 test measures the amount of the TSH, T4, and T3 hormones in your blood. Hence, your doctor may conduct this test to determine the amount of TSH, T4, and T3 hormones in your blood and if the amount present is sufficient enough.
What Preparation is Needed for the FT4 Test?
- While going for the ft4 test, there are several points that need to be kept in mind to achieve accurate results. First, inform your healthcare professional about the medications you’re consuming, as it will significantly affect the overall result. You might need to stop a certain medication till the test is done as they might trigger the T4 levels in the blood. Some of these drugs are-
- Drugs that have hormones, including birth control pills or estrogen
- Pills designed to treat thyroid conditions Medications to treat cancer Steroids
- Apart from this, you might need to fast for at least 8-12 hours before the test is conducted. However, water is allowed. 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?
- The normal T4 range in adults can lie between 0.9 to 1.9 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Free T4 levels vary in children according to age.
- High levels of FT4 and low TSH can indicate that the thyroid is overactive - hyperthyroidism. When there’s excessive production of the thyroxine hormone, it leads to a condition known as hyperthyroidism. It results in a rapid heartbeat and increased metabolism.
- Low levels of FT4 and high TSH can indicate that the thyroid is not active enough - hypothyroidism. When your thyroid gland does not produce sufficient thyroxine hormone, hypothyroidism. It is challenging to detect hypothyroidism early due to a lack of symptoms.
- Disclaimer: It has been advised to always consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
Can I avail myself at-home sample collection in Pune?
Yes, it is easy to avail home sample collection in Pune 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 Pune?
The cost of several tests depends upon different laboratories and the infrastructure used by the laboratories. Different cities have varied charges too. The approximate price for the ft4 test in Pune ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 700 per person.
I stay in Gurgaon. Can I book an Ft4 test for my grandfather staying in Pune?
Yes, you can easily book an Ft4 test 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 an Ft4 test sample?
You can quickly reschedule the appointment for an 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 an Ft4 test sample collection vaccinated?
Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety by wearing a mask and using a sanitiser and gloves during sample collection.
When is an Ft4 test recommended?
You may be advised to take this test by your healthcare provider in case they detect potential symptoms for Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, or Thyroiditis.
Is a prescription required to book an Ft4 test?
No, generally, it is not required to take a prescription from a registered doctor to book an 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 a 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.
Are there any discount offers running on the Ft4 test in Pune?
Usually, you can avail of up to 50% discount on the Ft4 test through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.