FREE T4

Thyroxine is also known as T4. It is a hormone that is produced by the thyroid gland. A free T4 blood test determines the amount of free T4 in a sample of blood. Too much or too little T4 may indicate a thyroid issue.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of our neck. It produces hormones that regulate how our body uses energy. These hormones touch almost every organ in our body and regulate many of its most important functions. T4 hormone can affect our respiration, heart rate, weight, digestion, and mood. Thyroid hormones also have an impact on child growth.

The main hormone produced by our thyroid is T4. There are two types of T4 hormones in our blood, which are listed below: 

• Free T4 is the active form of thyroxine hormone that enters your body's tissues as needed.
• Bound T4 is thyroxine that connects or binds to specific proteins, preventing it from entering the body's tissues. It remains in the bloodstream as a "backup supply" until your tissues require it.

T4 levels can be measured using either a free T4 test or a total T4 test.

• A free T4 test determines the amount of free T4 in your bloodstream. Medical professionals believe that this test is more accurate than a complete T4 test, hence it is utilized more frequently.
• The total T4 test evaluates both free and bound T4.

What is the Free T4 blood test?

The Free T4 blood test, commonly known as the thyroxine blood test, is a simple blood test that is done to determine the health of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism, growth, development, and energy levels in the body. During a free T4 blood test, a healthcare provider will draw a small amount of blood from the patient's arm and send it to a lab for analysis. The laboratory will assess the level of free T4 hormone in the blood. There are two forms of T4 hormones: free T4 (FT4) and total T4. Free T4 is the portion of T4 that is not bound to proteins in the blood and is considered the biologically active form.

Why do I need to take a free T4 blood test?

If you are suffering from the symptoms mentioned below, then your health care provider might ask you to get your thyroid levels checked:

Symptoms of low levels of thyroid hormones in the blood, or hypothyroidism

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Being extremely sensitive to cold.
• Joint and muscular discomfort.
• Dry skin.
• Dry and thinning of hair
• Heavy or irregular menstrual cycles
• Fertility issues among women
• Slow heart rate.
• Depression Constipation

Symptoms of High levels of thyroid hormones in the blood, or hyperthyroidism

• Weight loss, even if you eat more than normal.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Feeling anxious or irritable
• Problems sleeping
• Fatigue
• Shaky hands and muscle weakness
• Sweating or being extremely sensitive to heat.
• Frequent bowel motions or diarrhea
• Goiter

The free T4 blood test is also recommended by the doctor for the following reasons:

• A member of your family has thyroid illness. Thyroid disease typically runs in families.
• You are taking thyroid hormone medication for hypothyroidism. A T4 test can be performed to determine how effectively your treatment is working.
• Check a newborn for congenital hypothyroidism, which is hypothyroidism that exists at birth.
• To diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
• To diagnose a disease related to the pituitary gland

How do I prepare for the free T4 Blood test?

• Inform if you are suffering from any health condition
• Inform if you are on any medication
• Avoid alcohol 
• Your doctor might ask you to fast for 12 hours before the test

What is the procedure for a free T4 Blood test?

The procedure for the T4 blood test is very simple and is listed below:

• A phlebotomist will tie a rubber band around your arm so that they can find the vein from which the blood sample will be drawn properly.
• After finding the appropriate vein, an alcohol swab will be used to clean the area, and then a sterile needle will be injected into the vein to collect your blood sample
• During this time, you might feel a slight pinching pain due to needle insertion 
• After the collection of your blood sample. Your puncture site will be covered with a bandage or a cotton ball, and a rubber band will be removed.

What is the normal range of the free T4 Blood test?

The normal range of the free T4 Blood test is Free T4: 0.8–1.8 ng/dL however the range of Total T4: 4.5–12.5 ng/dL

What is the Free T4 blood test cost?

The Free T4 blood test price in Delhi generally ranges from INR 150 to INR 500. The cost may vary depending on the diagnostic centre's location and the technology used.

Conclusion

The best technique to measure thyroid function is to start with a TSH test. When T4 tests are paired with TSH testing, they tell us about our thyroid gland more accurately. In some thyroid diseases, measuring T4 levels may be unnecessary. A free T4 test is typically performed in combination with other thyroid tests to help in the diagnosis and monitoring of thyroid disease, as well as the gathering of further information regarding other thyroid-related disorders. Thyroxine, commonly known as T4 and tetraiodothyronine, is the primary hormone released by the thyroid gland into the bloodstream. Your thyroid gland also produces small amounts of triiodothyronine (T3). T4 and T3 act together and are often referred to as "thyroid hormone”. If your doctor recommends you take a T4 blood test, then make sure to choose the best diagnostic centre in the city to get accurate results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my free T4 levels are elevated?

A high T4 level in a person means that the person may have hyperthyroidism. Please consult with your doctor first to make an appropriate diagnosis. Do not take medication without a doctor's consultation.

What do the low free T4 levels mean?

A low T4 level in a person means that the person may have hypothyroidism. Please consult with your doctor first to make an appropriate diagnosis. Do not take medication without a doctor's consultation.

Where can I find a free T4 Blood test near me?

You can book your T4 Blood test at the best price in Delhi at City X Ray clinic. To know more information, please visit our website.

What is the free T4 Blood test cost?

The T4 Blood test price in Delhi may range from 150 to 500. The prices may vary by diagnostic center based on the location and technology they are using

What is the normal range of the free T4 Blood test?

The normal range of the free T4 Blood test is Free T4: 0.8–1.8 ng/dL however the range of Total T4: 4.5–12.5 ng/dL