Thyroid function tests
Thyroid Function Tests
Thyroid function tests (pronunciation: thy-roid funk-shun tests) are a series of blood tests used to measure how well your thyroid gland is working. Available tests include the T3, T3RU, T4, and TSH.
Etymology
The term "thyroid" comes from the Greek word "thyreos", meaning "shield", due to the gland's shape. The term "function tests" is derived from the Latin "functio", meaning "performance, execution".
T3 Test
The T3 test checks the blood level of the hormone triiodothyronine (pronunciation: tri-eye-odo-thy-ro-neen). It's produced by the thyroid gland and helps control many body functions.
T4 Test
The T4 test measures the blood level of the hormone thyroxine (pronunciation: thy-rox-een), another hormone produced by the thyroid gland.
TSH Test
The TSH test measures the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood. The pituitary gland at the base of the brain controls the production of TSH.
T3RU Test
The T3RU test (pronunciation: T-three-R-U test) measures the amount of T3 that is taken up by thyroid-binding globulin, a protein. This test helps determine the level of thyroid-binding globulin in the blood.
Related Terms
- Hyperthyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
- Hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland.
- Goiter: An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Thyroid function tests
- Wikipedia's article - Thyroid function tests
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