Definition

The thyroid gland produces various chemical components, one of which is hormones that control body functions. The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is located below the larynx and is responsible for regulating metabolic regulation through the release of hormones in the blood vessels. The thyroid functions to produce hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and body weight.

The main hormone formed by the thyroid is T4 or thyroxine. The body's cells will then convert T4 into T3 or Triiodothyronine. T3 is responsible for various bodily functions along with T4, including regulating heart rate, body temperature and metabolism which can affect body weight. The majority of T3 is bound to body proteins and the T3 that is not bound to proteins is referred to as free T3 and circulates through the blood.

This is a thyroid test for protein in the blood. Through this test, the doctor will get additional info with other tests such as T3 test and T4 test, which show the amount of thyroid hormones in free form in the body.

Indications

A T3 test is used to help:

• Diagnose hyperthyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. The test can also help find out what's causing the condition.
• Diagnose pituitary disorders. The pituitary is a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain. It makes a hormone called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). TSH tells the thyroid how much T3 and T4 to make. So, abnormal T3 levels may be a sign of a pituitary problem.
• Monitor treatment for thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid gland makes to little thyroid hormone.

T3 tests are usually ordered with blood tests that measure T4 and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) tests.

You may need a T3 test if you have symptoms of hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone). Symptoms may include:

• Anxiety, nervousness, irritability
• Weight loss, even though your appetite may increase
• Shaky hands, muscle weakness
• Sweating or being very sensitive to heat
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Frequent bowel movements (poops)
• Goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland)
• Trouble sleeping and fatigue

Contraindication

T3 Uptake examination in Blood can be considered safe and moderately related risks. There is no specific contradiction regarding T3 Uptake examination. The doctor will tell you that you need to stop taking medication before examination. But don't stop taking any drugs unless the doctor gives the instructions.

Preparations Before Examination

You don't need any special preparations for a T3 blood test. Certain medicines and supplements can affect your test results. Your provider will let you know if you need to stop taking any medicines before your test. But don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.

Examination Procedures

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

Normal And Abnormal Values

The normal values for examination depend on several variables, including age, gender and the method used. the normal range for adults is generally considered to be 24% to 37%. An examination is abnormal when it is carried at or above the normal examination limit.

Results And Suggestions (Inspection Continued)

If your results are higher than normal, it could indicate:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Protein malnutrition
   
• Kidney problems

Results that are lower than normal may indicate:

• Hypothyroidism
• Acute hepatitis
• Pregnancy

Consult To The Right Doctor

The results of the T3 Uptake test in adults can be consulted with a general practitioner, for further examination or to start therapy for an appropriate diagnosis. You can also consult an internist who is a metabolic and endocrine consultant to discuss your thyroid gland problems further. In pediatric patients, examination results other than normal should be consulted with a pediatrician.

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