LAB TEST
Thyroid Function Tests (TFT)
Your thyroid gland may be small, but it plays a massive role in your overall health. Located at the base of your neck, this butterfly-shaped gland regulates your body’s metabolism — controlling how fast you burn calories, how quickly your heart beats, and how efficiently your body uses energy.
Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs) help evaluate whether your thyroid is working properly. At My Health Medical Centre, we use advanced diagnostic testing to assess thyroid hormone levels with precision and accuracy, allowing early detection of thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). These conditions are common yet often go unnoticed until symptoms become severe — making routine screening vital for your long-term well-being.
What is a TFT & Why is it important?
Thyroid Function Tests are a group of blood tests that measure the levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your bloodstream. These hormones are essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and energy use throughout your body.
By analyzing these levels, your doctor can determine whether your thyroid gland is functioning normally, producing too much hormone (overactive), or too little (underactive).
- Detects Early Thyroid Disorders: Identifies both overactive and underactive thyroid function before symptoms worsen.
- Explains Unexplained Symptoms: Helps uncover causes of fatigue, weight changes, anxiety, or depression.
- Monitors Ongoing Conditions: Essential for patients on thyroid medication or with autoimmune disorders.
- Supports Hormonal Health: Aids in assessing fertility issues and general hormone balance.
What Is Done in a TFT
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm and analyzed in our laboratory. The test typically measures three to five key markers:
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone):
Controls thyroid activity; the first indicator of thyroid imbalance.
Free T4 (Thyroxine):
The main hormone produced by the thyroid; low levels indicate hypothyroidism, while high levels suggest hyperthyroidism.
Free T3 (Triiodothyronine):
The active thyroid hormone that influences energy use and metabolism.
Thyroid Antibodies (TPO & TG Antibodies):
Detects autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease.
What You Should Know Before a TFT
You can eat and drink normally before your appointment unless your doctor has requested additional fasting tests.
Tell your doctor about any medications, supplements, or hormonal therapies you’re taking — some can affect thyroid levels.
If you’re on thyroid medication, your doctor may advise testing at a specific time of day
The blood draw is brief, and discomfort is minimal.
Results are usually ready within 24–48 hours, with a full explanation provided by your doctor.