Thyroid Tests
Since many people have thyroid problems, it is good to know the appropriate thyroid tests in order to determine how the organ is functioning. Thyroid blood tests allow people to recognize and treat any thyroid problems that develop. The thyroid is considered to be the master regulator of the body and should be working properly in order for the entire body to function. The thyroid gland is actually located in the neck, at the lower portion below where it connects to the thorax. The main job of the thyroid is to produce thyroid hormone and secrete it throughout the blood stream, which is why thyroid testing is so effective in evaluating the function of the gland. In the beginning, right after the hormone it is released, the thyroid hormone is called T4 when it circulates around the blood stream. This is because there are 4 different binding sites for iodine. T4 has all 4 of the sites bound with iodine.
As the T4 goes around the blood stream, some of it turns into T3, which only has three sites bound. This version of thyroid hormone is actually more active and can control a lot more functions than T4. Thyroid T3 levels are just as important as T4 to regulate because the hormone is so active. When you receive the results of your thyroid tests, you should know what is high or low. There is a normal range for the hormone, which for total T4 is about 4.8 to 10.4 mcg/dl in adults. The levels can be very different in children. A mcg/dl is a microgram per deciliter, which is a millionth of a gram in 10 mL of fluid. This is a very small concentration, showing how powerful this hormone can be. In certain state, a higher level is considered normal. This could happen in pregnancy due to the changes in protein-binding and other manifestations of being pregnant.
The total T4 test, which we already discussed, includes all of the T4 bound to proteins. This T4 is not biologically active. If it is attached to a protein, it is not being very effective. Therefore you may need another test. The test should measure the amount of hormone that is active. That test is the free T4 test. The free T4 can also be measured along with the TSH to help manage a person who has hypothyroidism.
There can be a lot of different things said about the thyroid blood tests and the normal levels. But with proper education, the home thyroid testing can be performed. The tests are safe and allow the person to avoid the lines and wait at the doctors. Home thyroid testing is the ultimate in convenience. People who have the option of having thyroid tests at home should do so when given the opportunity.