Triiodothyronine (T3) Tests
What is Triiodothyronine (T3) Test?
A Triiodothyronine (T3) test is a blood test used to measure the amount of triiodothyronine (T3) in your blood. T3 is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland in the body. It is an important hormone for regulating metabolism and other bodily functions. It is important to monitor this hormone since high or low levels can cause health problems.
What is the purpose of a Triiodothyronine (T3) Test?
The purpose of the T3 test is to measure the level of this hormone in your blood. If the test results show a high or low level then your doctor may suggest further tests or treatment. A T3 test is often done to assess thyroid function and diagnose and monitor diseases that affect it, such as hypothyroidism and Grave’s disease. It is also done to see if a person is getting enough thyroid hormone from medications.
Preparation for a T3 test?
Your doctor may give you specific instructions to follow before the test. Otherwise, no specific preparation is usually needed. It is important to let your doctor know if you are taking any medicines which might interfere with the results, such as corticosteroids, estrogen, and testosterone replacement therapy. Some medicines can also raise T3 levels, such as amphetamines, birth control pills, and certain antidepressants.
Procedure for a T3 Test?
To get tested, a small sample of your blood is taken from your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis. It takes 1-2 days for the results to be available. The results will show the amount of T3 hormone in the blood and whether the levels are low, normal, or high.
Types of T3 Tests
- Total Triiodothyronine (T3) test
- Free Triiodothyronine (T3) test
- T3 Resin Uptake Test
- Triiodothyronine Uptake Test
Risks of a T3 Test
A T3 test is a safe procedure with minimal risks. The only risk is associated with having the blood drawn and may include slight discomfort or a small bruise where the needle was inserted.
When to get a T3 Test?
Your doctor may order a T3 test if he or she suspects that you have an overactive or underactive thyroid. It may also be ordered if you have symptoms of thyroid disease or if you are taking thyroid medication. The test may also be recommended if you have had a previous thyroid problem, or if you are pregnant.
Why get a T3 Test?
The T3 test can be used to diagnose and monitor thyroid diseases. An imbalanced hormone level can cause many health problems such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, and anxiety. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, these problems can be managed. The T3 test can help your doctor find an effective treatment and ensure that you feel your best.