Free T3 Triiodothyronine Dialysis

This test measures levels of T3 or Triiodothyronine in the blood. T3 is one of the primary hormones produced by the Thyroid gland which helps to control a number of metabolic functions. Most T3 is bound to proteins and the small portion of unbound T3 or Free T3 is biologically active and able to be used by the body. This test measures Free T3 levels using the Equilibrium Dialysis methodology. Measuring T3 through this method may be more accurate than a standard T3 test in some cases. Certain conditions such as Thyroxine Binding Globulin Deficiency, pregnancy, hormone therapy, taking oral contraceptives, taking antipsychotic medications and other illnesses can cause inaccuracies in a regular Free T3 blood test. This can result in failure to diagnose conditions such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. In these cases, a Free T3 by Dialysis test may be a more effective option.

The free T3 Dialysis test is typically ordered when someone has symptoms of a thyroid disorder but has other conditions which may render standard testing methods ineffective. A Dialysis test may be used as a follow up to a regular Free T3 blood test when a person has thyroid disorder symptoms but their test results are normal.

Turnaround for this test is typically 7-10 business days.