What are the Common Thyroid Tests Ordered by Healthcare Providers?

Common thyroid tests include:

  • Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test: Measures the amount of TSH produced by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
  • Free Thyroxine (T4) Test: Measures the amount of unbound (free) thyroxine in the blood, which is the primary thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland.
  • Total or Free Triiodothyronine (T3) Test: Measures the amount of total or free triiodothyronine, another thyroid hormone that plays a role in metabolism and energy regulation.
  • Thyroid Antibody Tests: Detect antibodies produced by the immune system that may indicate autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease.