Thyroid Test
A simple finger prick blood test is used to examine the function of your thyroid and establish if it is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism).
Who is this test for?
- For individuals who would like to assess their thyroid function; is it under, normal or overactive?
Symptoms?
- Underactive thyroid: Symptoms include tiredness, weight gain, constipation, aches, dry skin, lifeless hair, mental slowing and feeling cold, hoarse voice, irregular or heavy menstrual periods, infertility and loss of sex drive.
- Hyperactive thyroid: Symptoms include feeling nervousness and irritability, hyperactivity, difficulty sleeping, tremors, unexplained weight loss, diarrhoea, feeling hot and sweaty, hair loss, palpitations, muscle weakness, abnormal menstrual periods, loss of interest in sex and fertility problems.
How the test works?
- Blood tests assess how well your thyroid gland is working.
What is being measured?
- Levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and Thyroxine (T4). Fasting is not required
Specimen requirements?
- Finger prick blood sample
Special instructions?
- See instruction inside test kit for details
Turnaround Time?
- 2 working days after receipt of sample