Thyroid Panel

A five-marker thyroid panel measuring the pituitary signal (TSH), both active thyroid hormones (Free T3 and Free T4), and the two most clinically significant thyroid antibodies (Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg). Together these markers distinguish between hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's or Graves'). At PKBH Olomouc, immunochemistry assays run on the Abbott Alinity ii and DPC Immulite 2000XPi platforms under SEKK external QC, and walk-in self-pay access means no GP referral is needed to initiate investigation.

Thyroid dysfunction affects roughly 5% of the adult population and is frequently underdiagnosed, particularly in women and people over 50. Symptoms — fatigue, weight changes, mood disturbance, hair loss, intolerance to cold or heat — overlap with depression, anaemia, and dozens of other conditions. A complete five-marker thyroid panel is the only reliable way to distinguish the underlying cause. Markers included and their clinical roles: - **TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)** — the pituitary's control signal. TSH rises when thyroid output falls (hypothyroidism) and drops when output is excessive (hyperthyroidism). Because TSH responds to tiny changes in circulating thyroid hormone with large amplification, it is the most sensitive first-line marker. Measured at PKBH on the Abbott Alinity ii immunochemistry platform. - **Free T4 (thyroxine)** — the main product of the thyroid gland and a prohormone that is converted peripherally to the active T3. Free T4 (not total T4) reflects hormone genuinely available to tissues, independent of binding protein variations that change with pregnancy or certain medications. - **Free T3 (triiodothyronine)** — the biologically active thyroid hormone. Abnormally low Free T3 with normal TSH and T4 suggests impaired peripheral conversion — a pattern relevant in chronic fatigue, after bariatric surgery, or with selenium deficiency. - **Anti-TPO (anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies)** — the primary autoantibody in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition that progressively destroys thyroid tissue. Present in 90% of Hashimoto's cases and 75% of Graves' disease. Measured on the DPC Immulite 2000XPi. - **Anti-Tg (anti-thyroglobulin antibodies)** — a second thyroid autoantibody that, when elevated alongside Anti-TPO, confirms autoimmune thyroid disease. Anti-Tg alone (without Anti-TPO) can be the dominant marker in a minority of Hashimoto's cases, making both markers necessary for complete antibody screening. All immunochemistry at PKBH runs under internal and external (SEKK) quality controls. The laboratory holds R3 Audit certification for both biochemistry and haematology, and results are issued in both printed and electronic form. **Who benefits:** Anyone with unexplained fatigue, unexpected weight gain or loss, hair thinning, constipation or diarrhoea, mood changes, palpitations, or intolerance to temperature extremes. Women with fertility difficulties, polycystic ovary syndrome, or a family history of thyroid disease. Adults over 50 as part of routine health screening. Anyone monitoring known thyroid disease or adjusting levothyroxine dosage. **Preparation:** No fasting required. Levothyroxine (Euthyrox, Letrox) should ideally be taken after the blood draw for accurate TSH measurement. Take biotin supplements (vitamin H) no sooner than 12 hours before, as high biotin levels can interfere with immunoassay-based TSH and Free T4 results. **Results:** Same day or next morning. If TSH is critically abnormal, the STATIM protocol triggers a direct patient call within two hours of analysis.