Thyroid Hormone Panel

Thyroid hormone testing at MEDILA starting with TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) — the single most sensitive marker for thyroid dysfunction and the international standard first-line thyroid screen. TSH rises in hypothyroidism and falls in hyperthyroidism, providing early detection before overt symptoms develop. Free T4 (the main circulating thyroid hormone) and Free T3 (the active form) can be added to complete the functional assessment. Autoimmune thyroid markers — Anti-TPO and Anti-TG for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, TRAK for Graves' disease — are individually orderable for patients with suspected autoimmune thyroid disease. No fasting is required for any thyroid marker. MEDILA holds ČSN EN ISO 15189 accreditation from the Czech Accreditation Institute. Results returned within one week.

The thyroid hormone testing menu at MEDILA provides flexible access to the full range of clinically relevant thyroid biomarkers — from the standard TSH-only screening test through to a complete autoimmune thyroid panel — all orderable individually via the Moje MEDILA portal without a physician referral. The tiered approach to thyroid testing allows patients and their clinicians to start with the appropriate level of investigation and add markers if the initial result warrants it: First-line screening — TSH alone (181 Kč): TSH (thyrotropin) is secreted by the anterior pituitary in a feedback loop with circulating thyroid hormones. It is the most sensitive indicator of thyroid function: TSH rises when thyroid hormone output is insufficient (hypothyroidism, even subclinical) and falls when thyroid hormone levels are excessive (hyperthyroidism). A single TSH measurement can detect both overt and subclinical thyroid dysfunction. This is the appropriate starting point for most patients with non-specific symptoms (fatigue, weight change, mood disturbance, hair loss, cold or heat intolerance) and for routine annual screening in adults over 50, in women planning pregnancy, and in patients on lithium or amiodarone. Functional confirmation — TSH + Free T4 (370 Kč combined individual prices): Free T4 (thyroxine, the primary thyroid hormone) is added when TSH is abnormal to confirm and characterise the degree of dysfunction. In primary hypothyroidism both TSH rises and fT4 falls; in subclinical hypothyroidism TSH is elevated but fT4 remains normal; in primary hyperthyroidism TSH is suppressed and fT4 is elevated. The TSH/fT4 combination is the standard pair for diagnosis before treatment initiation. Free T3 (triiodothyronine — the biologically active thyroid hormone) is added when T3-dominant hyperthyroidism is suspected (suppressed TSH with normal fT4) or in monitoring of T3-containing thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Autoimmune differentiation — Anti-TPO (420 Kč) and Anti-TG (402 Kč): Anti-TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies) are detectable in approximately 90% of Hashimoto's thyroiditis cases and in 70–80% of Graves' disease, making them the primary autoimmune thyroid screening marker. Detecting Anti-TPO positivity in a euthyroid patient (normal TSH and fT4) identifies an approximately 4% per year risk of developing overt hypothyroidism — warranting annual TSH monitoring and clinical review. Graves' disease confirmation — TRAK (594 Kč): TSH receptor antibodies (TRAK, also called TRAb) are the specific diagnostic marker for Graves' disease — the autoimmune condition in which autoantibodies stimulate the TSH receptor, causing unregulated thyroid hormone production and hyperthyroidism. TRAK titres are used both for diagnosis and for monitoring response to antithyroid drug treatment, with falling titres supporting eventual drug withdrawal, and for assessing the risk of neonatal hyperthyroidism in pregnant women with Graves' disease. No fasting is required for any thyroid marker — thyroid hormones are stable throughout the day. Walk-in collection is available at MEDILA collection centres Monday to Friday. Results are returned within one week; written physician commentary is included when ordered as part of a Moje MEDILA package.