iMedical Australia

Thyroid Function (TSH/FT3/FT4)

Type

Blood Testing

Biomarkers

3

Duration

30 min

Results

48 hours

Complete thyroid panel: TSH, Free T3, Free T4 to assess thyroid function. Results in 24 hours, no fasting required.

A thyroid panel evaluates how well your thyroid gland is functioning by measuring the hormones it produces and the pituitary signal that controls it. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that regulates metabolism, energy, body temperature, heart rate, and mood. A basic panel measures TSH (the brain's signal to the thyroid) and Free T4 (the main thyroid hormone). Comprehensive panels add Free T3 (the active hormone), reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies (TPOAb, TGAb) that can detect autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease. Thyroid dysfunction is extremely common — affecting roughly 1 in 8 women — and often goes undiagnosed because symptoms mimic stress, aging, or depression.

Key Details

Biomarkers
2–7 thyroid markers
Fasting Required
No
Sample Type
Blood draw
Turnaround
24–48 hours
Common Use
Thyroid function, autoimmune screening

Who Is This For?

Anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, cold sensitivity, or mood disturbances. People with a family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune conditions. Women planning pregnancy, as thyroid function is critical for fetal brain development. Anyone who has had a 'normal' TSH result but still suspects thyroid dysfunction.

What's Included

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Free Thyroxine (FT4)
Free Triiodothyronine (FT3) — if comprehensive panel
Thyroid antibodies (TPOAb, TGAb) — if autoimmune panel

Preparation Required

No fasting required for a standalone thyroid panel. If you take thyroid medication (levothyroxine/Synthroid), take your dose after the blood draw, not before — taking it beforehand can temporarily spike T4 levels and skew results. Morning testing is recommended for the most consistent TSH readings, as TSH follows a circadian rhythm and peaks overnight.

Biomarkers Tested

3
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) mIU/L

The primary screening test for thyroid function. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland to regulate thyroid hormone production. High TSH indicates an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), while low TSH suggests an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Free T4 (Thyroxine) ng/dL

The unbound, active form of the main thyroid hormone T4. Free T4 directly reflects thyroid gland output and is used alongside TSH to diagnose and monitor thyroid disorders.

Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) pg/mL

The active form of thyroid hormone responsible for regulating metabolism, energy, and body temperature. Free T3 is converted from T4 in tissues and is three to four times more potent than T4.

Frequently Asked Questions