Thyroids (Bloodspot)-ZRT Lab Kit:
Note: This is a home collection test kit that will be mailed to you. This is not a test performed at Quest Diagnostics
Fasting Required: No
Lab: ZRT Laboratory
Specimen: Dried Bloodspot
Results: Average processing time 5-7 business days
Note: Result turnaround times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
Patient Instructions: You do NOT need to change your regular diet or stop taking supplements. Following your typical dietary and/or supplement routine will ensure that your results are an accurate reflection of your average daily levels.
DRIED BLOOD SPOT samples should be kept at room temperature and will remain stable for shipping over weekends and holidays, and during hot temperatures.
Description: The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that sits behind and below the Adam’s apple. A wide range of factors from hormone imbalances to mineral deficiencies and environmental pollutants can interfere with thyroid production, leading to health problems. Provides a full assessment of thyroid health including screening for hypo or hyperthyroidism, testing for autoimmune thyroid disease, monitoring thyroid replacement dosages, thyroglobulin to assess low iodine status, and a measure of total T4 production by the thyroid.
Tests Included:
TSH Produced by the pituitary gland, TSH acts on the thyroid gland to stimulate production of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4).
Free T4 – Thyroxine The predominant hormone produced by the thyroid gland, T4 is converted to its active form, T3, within cells.
Total T4 – Thyroxine Total T4 includes both free T4 and protein-bound T4, and is an indicator of the thyroid gland’s ability to synthesize, process and release T4 into the bloodstream.
Free T3 – Triiodothyronine T3 is the active thyroid hormone that regulates the metabolic activity of cells.
TPO ab – Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies Thyroid peroxidase is an enzyme involved in thyroid hormone production. The body produces antibodies, including TPO ab, that attack the thyroid gland in autoimmune thyroiditis and Hashimoto’s. Testing TPO ab levels can diagnose these conditions.
Tgbn – Thyroglobulin A protein rich in tyrosine, the residues of which when bound to iodine become the building blocks of T3 and T4. If iodine levels are low, thyroglobulin accumulates, thus high levels indicate insufficient iodine for healthy thyroid function.