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Understanding Thyroid Function Tests

Thyroid function tests (TFTs) are blood tests that measure thyroid hormone levels, specifically Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Free Thyroxine (FT4), to assess thyroid activity. Normal TSH levels range from 0.60 to 4.80 mIU/L, while FT4 levels should be between 0.70 to 1.50 ng/dL, with specific targets for individuals with thyroid cancer. Thyroglobulin levels are also monitored post-treatment for cancer recurrence, and patients are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

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naimulnahid1999
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Available Formats
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Topics covered

  • Thyroid Function Assessment,
  • Cancer Treatment,
  • Thyroid Hormone Replacement,
  • Endocrine Function,
  • Hypothyroidism,
  • Thyroid Health,
  • Thyroid Function Test Results,
  • Normal TSH Range,
  • Thyroid Function Test Recommen…,
  • Patient Support
24 views3 pages

Understanding Thyroid Function Tests

Thyroid function tests (TFTs) are blood tests that measure thyroid hormone levels, specifically Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Free Thyroxine (FT4), to assess thyroid activity. Normal TSH levels range from 0.60 to 4.80 mIU/L, while FT4 levels should be between 0.70 to 1.50 ng/dL, with specific targets for individuals with thyroid cancer. Thyroglobulin levels are also monitored post-treatment for cancer recurrence, and patients are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Uploaded by

naimulnahid1999
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Topics covered

  • Thyroid Function Assessment,
  • Cancer Treatment,
  • Thyroid Hormone Replacement,
  • Endocrine Function,
  • Hypothyroidism,
  • Thyroid Health,
  • Thyroid Function Test Results,
  • Normal TSH Range,
  • Thyroid Function Test Recommen…,
  • Patient Support

PATIENT & CAREGIVER EDUCATION

Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs)


This information explains thyroid function tests (TFTs).
Thyroid function tests are blood tests that check the
amount of thyroid hormone in your blood.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)


Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is made and
released by a gland in your brain. This hormone
stimulates your thyroid to work.

TSH levels
The level of TSH in your blood shows if your thyroid is
too active or not active enough. If you do not have a
thyroid, your healthcare provider will still check your
TSH levels. This is to see if you’re getting the right dose
of thyroid hormone replacement medication.

The normal TSH range may be different depending on


the lab. At MSK, the normal range is 0.60 milli-
international units per liter (mIU/L) to 4.80 mIU/L.

If your TSH level is low, you’re in a state of


hyperthyroidism. This means your thyroid function is

Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs) 1/3


too active.
If your TSH level is high, you’re in a state of
hypothyroidism. This means your thyroid function is
not active enough.

In people without thyroid cancer, the goal is to keep


their TSH level within the normal range.

In some people with thyroid cancer, the goal is to keep


their TSH level below the normal range. This is usually
for the first few years after being diagnosed and
depends on the type of cancer you have. It may lower
the risk of the cancer coming back. Talk with your
healthcare provider about what level is right for you.

Free Thyroxine (FT4)


Free Thyroxine (FT4) is another blood test that
measures your thyroid function. It tells us how much
“free” or available thyroid hormone you have in your
blood. At MSK, the normal range for FT4 is 0.70
nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) to 1.50 ng/dL.

In people without thyroid cancer, the goal is to keep


their FT4 level within the normal range.
In people with thyroid cancer, the FT4 level may be
near the upper limits of the normal range.

Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs) 2/3


Thyroglobulin
Thyroglobulin (THY-roh-GLAH-byoo-lin) is a protein in
your blood made by your thyroid cells. We measure your
thyroglobulin level to help us monitor your cancer after
treatment. If your thyroglobulin level rises, it could
mean that you need more tests and follow-up care. This
is to make sure your cancer has not come back.

If you have medullary thyroid cancer, other tests are


also used to monitor your cancer. Your healthcare
provider will give you more information.

If you have questions or concerns, contact your


healthcare provider. A member of your care team will
answer Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Outside those hours, you can leave a message or talk
with another MSK provider. There is always a doctor
or nurse on call. If you’re not sure how to reach your
healthcare provider, call 212-639-2000.

For more resources, visit [Link]/pe to search


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Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs) - Last updated on June 16, 2022
All rights owned and reserved by Memorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center

Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs) 3/3

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