T4 (Thyroxine) Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Levels, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to Total T4 (Thyroxine) Test

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your throat. This gland produces hormones that provide energy to the body and regulate weight, heart health, body temperature, mood, and muscle strength. Any changes in the body are a sign of abnormality in the thyroid glands. A thyroxine test, popularly known as the T4 test, helps diagnose this abnormality. It measures the levels of thyroxine hormones and evaluates thyroid function. 

With a T4 blood test, you can check your thyroid gland's functioning. However, symptoms may vary from person to person. If your doctor suggests taking the T4 test, get it from Redcliffe Labs. Our labs follow NABL and ISO guidelines and provide 100% correct reports. We are a PAN India diagnostic lab offering a home sample collection service. Book the T4 test from Redcliffe Labs to determine your thyroid gland's functioning. 

Test Details in Brief 

What Are The Two Forms of Thyroxine?

Thyroxine is a type of thyroid hormone, also known as T4. The T4 test detects the levels of thyroxine in the blood. Any low or high number may indicate a sign of thyroid disease. There are two forms of thyroxine: free T4 and bound T4. 

Whenever an active reaction is needed, free T4 (thyroxine hormone) enters the tissues. Bound T4 is a thyroxine that attaches to protein and prevents it from entering the tissues. 

The T4 test is popular with several names that help evaluate the functioning of the thyroid. A test that measures free T4 and bound T4 together is the total T4 test, while other tests just measure free T4. Your doctor may suggest a T4 test or a thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH test to determine the functioning of your thyroid gland. TSH is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland. It forces your thyroid to produce T4 or thyroxine hormone. If they suggest a TSH test, you can avail it from Redcliffe Labs. 

What is The T4 Test Used For?

The T4 blood test is primarily used to diagnose thyroid functioning. In some rare cases, your doctor can use the T4 test as a part of the thyroid panel. The test also provides information about the infection or disease affecting your thyroid. This includes hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and certain disorders in the pituitary gland. 

• Hyperthyroidism–This condition shows that your thyroid gland isn’t producing enough thyroid hormones, forming an underactive thyroid. 
• Hypothyroidism- Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones, creating a situation of overactive thyroid. 
• Disorder in the pituitary gland- Your pituitary gland produces TSH, which controls the T4 or thyroxine production. Any disorder in the pituitary gland shows the need for a T4 test. 

The T4 test helps diagnose and determine the above thyroid condition. Early detection and treatment may prevent severe health complications. 

What is The Purpose of the T4 Test?

There are several purposes for the total T4 test. These are: 

• To check the functioning of the thyroid.
• Any abnormal finding in any other thyroid test. 
• If there is a lump or nodule on your thyroid
• Detect the reason for trouble getting pregnant 
• Know the reason for enlarged or irregular thyroid
• To diagnose thyroid disease 
• To diagnose any disorder in the pituitary gland. 

Symptoms Indicating The Need for a T4 Test 

Your body gives signals if your thyroid gland is abnormal, and you should detect it as soon as possible. First, take the TSH test to check for any abnormalities in T4 production. If the production is high or low, there are different signs. Here are the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. 

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: 

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Nervousness 
• Numbness or tingling in the hands
• Muscle weakness 
• Unexplained weight loss
• Arrhythmia (problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat)
• Goiter (large thyroid gland) 
• Fatigue 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Irregular bowel movements

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: 

• Fatigue
• Dry skin 
• Dry or thin hair 
• Sensitive to cold temperatures
• Weight gain
• Slow heart rate 
• Depression 
• Heavy or irregular periods 
• Certain fertility problems
• Weakness 

Why Can A Doctor Recommend The T4 Test?

Your doctor may recommend taking the T4 lab test if they see signs of a thyroid disorder. These factors include: 

• Abnormal finding in any other thyroid test (TSH or T3). 
• Symptoms of overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) 
• Nodule or lump in the thyroid
• Irregular thyroid gland 
• Fertility issue 
• Abnormality in the pituitary gland (hypopituitarism) 

Why Do You Need The T4 Test?

Early detection of symptoms helps in an effective treatment and diagnosis. However, if you have a family history of thyroid abnormality, you should take the T4 test. Other reasons indicating the need for a T4 test include: 

• As a follow-up after the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test. 
• Diagnosing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. 
• With certain medications to monitor the T4 levels
• For evaluating health conditions, such as thyroid nodules and goiter
• Evaluating central hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels because of a pituitary cause). 
• Screening an underactive thyroid in a newborn. 

For pregnant women, doctors may recommend the T4 test as a routine screening test. 

How To Book The T4 Test with Redcliffe Labs?

Redcliffe Labs offers the total T4 blood test at INR 200. The test helps determine the levels of thyroxine in the blood. It takes only a minute to book the T4 test. You can book the test either from their website or mobile app. Also, we have 80+ labs across India. You can visit our labs and take the T4 test. However, we offer a home sample collection service, where our phlebotomist visits your place to collect blood samples. They are DMLT-certified, assuring a smooth sample collection procedure.

Visit our website or download our mobile app (present on the Play Store and the App Store). On the ‘book a test’ tab, type ‘Total T4 test’, and you will find the T4 lab test and other similar thyroid tests. We also offer a comprehensive package of thyroid tests. Click on the test, add to the cart, fill out your details, and book the test. This is it. The process takes a minute to complete. We offer 3600+ tests; you can book any of them. The process is the same. 

Preparation For The T4 Test 

You don’t need any special preparation for the T4 test. Your healthcare provider may advise you to follow certain guidelines. These guidelines protect against complications and test results hindrances, and ensure correct reports. 

• Don’t indulge in unnecessary fasting until your doctor asks. 
• Certain medications can affect your test results, so only take prescribed medications. 
• Keep yourself hydrated with 8-10 glasses of water daily. 
• Practice deep-breathing exercises such as yoga and meditation.
• Avoid taking stress or anxiety before the test, as it can affect the thyroid gland's functioning. 

T4 Test Procedure 

Your doctor needs a blood sample report to understand the total T4 test results. The procedure for collecting the blood sample is seamless. Here is the total T4 test procedure. 

• The phlebotomist will ask you to make yourself comfortable for sample collection. 
• They will check your arms for a vein and, after locating it, clean the area with an alcoholic disinfectant. 
• Usually, they locate a vein in the inner part of the arm on the other side of the elbow. 
• On the cleared site, they will insert a sterile syringe into the located vein to collect blood samples. 
• After drawing sufficient blood, they will transfer it into the container. 
• On the punctured site, they will put a cotton ball to prevent bleeding. 
• Lastly, they will place a bandage on the site. 
• Label the transfer with your details, such as name, collection date, time, and location. 
• They will transfer the sample to the lab for testing. 
• Once done, you will receive your reports within 10 hours. 

Risks Associated With The T4 Test

The total T4 test is a simple blood test. There are minor or no risks associated with the T4 test. However, a syringe is inserted in your veins, so you might experience: 

• Slight pain 
• Discomfort 
• Weakness 
• Excessive blood loss
• Fatigue 
• Hematoma 
• Bruises
• Several punctures to locate the vein (in rare cases) 

Understanding T4 Test Results 

The Total T4 test helps in determining the production of thyroid hormones or the functioning of thyroid glands. In the test reports, you can find the range of your blood test, the normal range, your name, and whether the range is low, high, or abnormal. The range differs in adults, newborns, and children. However, the results might also differ based on: 

• Gender 
• Age 
• Medical history 
• Family history 
• Laboratory 
• Equipment 
• Collection procedure 

Here is the breakdown of the normal range of total T4 levels in the blood. 

Mcg- micrograms, dL- deciliter

The normal range in pregnant women in the first, second, and third trimester 

Mg-milligram, dL- deciliter 

If your results show a range of low or high, you may have hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Different signs indicate different ranges. 

Signs of lower than normal T4 levels show: 

• Thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid
• Reactions of certain drugs 
• Congenital hypothyroidism 
• Certain medical condition 
• Hashimoto's disease 

Signs of higher than normal T4 levels show: 

• Too much T4 in the blood
• Certain medications 
• Thyroiditis 
• Toxic thyroid nodule 
• Too much iodine 
• Noncancerous tumor 
• Graves' disease 
• Certain medical conditions 
• Toxic goiter 

Risk Factors Affecting The T4 Test Results 

Antibodies and binding proteins may affect the T4 test results. Other risk factors include: 

• Certain medications 
• Supplements 
• Severe illness
• Malnourishment 
• Pregnancy 

Is There Anything Else You Should Know About The T4 Test?

Hyperthyroidism is less common in comparison to hypothyroidism. Abnormal T4 may occur during pregnancy. However, it is not common. Your Doctor may suggest taking the T4 test to check the condition of your unborn child. Also, if you have a history of thyroid disease, discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. 

Is There A Need For Follow-Up?

The T4 test monitors the level of thyroxine hormone and evaluates thyroid function. Even if the measurement is normal, a doctor may prescribe certain other tests to monitor the thyroid function. They might suggest: 

• Thyroid profile test 
• TSH receptor antibodies test 
• TSH 3rd generation test
• Thyroid profile free test

Cost of T4 Test @ Redcliffe Labs. 

The total T4 test price differs depending on factors such as location, lab, and health insurance. 

Redcliffe Labs is a PAN India diagnostic lab. The T4 test price is INR 200. On every test worth INR 999, grab the value benefit of a personalized diet plan, health progress report, and report consultation. 

We offer tests at an affordable price with a home sample collection service to make it accessible for everybody. So, if you are looking for an affordable and trusted diagnostic test, choose Redcliffe Labs. 

Total T4 (Thyroxine) Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Total T4 (Thyroxine) Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Take Care of Your Health By Taking The T4 Test from Redcliffe Labs. 

Thyroxine or T4 controls your overall health. Any abnormality in it can lead to severe diseases or infections. The total T4 test can help measure thyroid function. The total T4 test results may show hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Early detection can help in an effective treatment. 

So, if you see symptoms of abnormal T4 levels or your doctor recommends you take the T4 blood test, book it from Redcliffe Labs. Our labs follow NABL and ISO guidelines and 50+ internal and external quality control checks regularly. With 500+ dedicated riders, our TAT is the shortest. So, what are you waiting for? Book the total T4 test today.