The HbA1c test:
You can check these average blood sugar levels yourself, but you’ll have to buy a kit, whereas your healthcare professional will do it for free. It’s different from a finger-prick test, which is a snapshot of your blood sugar levels at a particular time, on a particular day.

You find out your HbA1c level by getting a blood test by a doctor or nurse. Your healthcare team will arrange this for you, but chase it up with your GP if you haven’t had one for a few months.

Most people will have the test every three to six months. But you may need it more often if you’re planning for a baby, your treatment has recently changed, or you’re having problems managing your blood sugar levels.

And some people will need the test less often, usually later on during pregnancy. Or need a different test altogether, like with some types of anaemia. A fructosamine test can be used instead, but it’s very rare.

An HbA1c test is also used to diagnose diabetes, and to keep an eye on your levels if you’re at risk of developing diabetes (you have prediabetes).

The test is sometimes called hemoglobin A1c or just A1c.

HbA1c levels and targets:

If you have diabetes, an ideal HbA1c level is 48mmol/mol (6.5%) or below.

But everyone’s different. So your healthcare team may give you an individual target level that takes into account your current level and when your next test is. So you can bring it down in stages and isn’t a sudden big drop.

And we’re not saying it’s easy to get to and stay at this level. We know it’s difficult, and we’re here to give you advice and information to help.

If you’re at risk of type 2 diabetes:

There are different target HbA1c levels for people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you’ve been told you’re at risk, your target level should be below 42mmol/mol (6%). We have lots more information for you if you’re at risk of type 2.

Type 2 diabetes remission:

Remission is when a person with type 2 diabetes has healthy blood glucose (also called sugar) levels for the long-term, without taking any diabetes medications. We’re working with international experts to agree this, but our researchers used an HbA1c level of 48mmol/mol (6.5%) or less to define remission.

Type 2 diabetes is still a serious condition. It can be lifelong and get worse over time for many, but it doesn’t have to be like this for everyone. This can be life-changing. Find out more about type 2 diabetes remission.

HbA1c converter:

If you’re wondering how to convert HbA1c mmol/mol to %, or vice versa, our tool can help you.

Mmol/mol stands for millimoles per mole. A mole is a scientific unit often used to measure chemicals, and it has been the standard measurement for glucose levels since 2009. Before that, a percentage was used. That’s why measurements often have a percentage as well.

If you’re more used to the percentage system, use our converter tool below to find out your level in millimoles.

A urine test to check sodium levels is done to:

• Check the water and electrolyte balance of the body.
• Find the cause of symptoms from low or high levels of sodium.
• Check the progress of diseases of the kidneys or adrenal glands.

How It Is Done:

Urine sodium can be checked in a single urine sample, but it is more often measured in a 24-hour urine sample. A single urine sample (clean catch) may be taken at a health professional’s office or at home. A 24-hour sample is done at home.

Timed urine collection
You collect your urine for a period of time, such as over 4 or 24 hours. Your doctor will give you a large container that holds about 1 gallon. You will use the container to collect your urine.

When you first get up, you empty your bladder.
But don’t save this urine. Write down the time you began.

For the set period of time, collect all your urine.
Each time you urinate during this time period, collect your urine in a small, clean container. Then pour the urine into the large container. Don’t touch the inside of either container with your fingers.

Don’t get toilet paper, pubic hair, stool (feces), menstrual blood, or anything else in the urine sample.
Keep the collected urine in the refrigerator for the collection time.
Empty your bladder for the last time at or just before the end of the collection period.
Add this urine to the large container. Then write down the time.

Clean-catch urine collection:

• Wash your hands before you collect the urine.
• Prepare the container.
• If the container has a lid, remove the lid and set it down with the inner surface up.
• Clean the area around your penis or vagina.
• Start to urinate into the toilet or urinal.
• Collect the urine in the container.
• After the urine has flowed for several seconds, place the collection container in the stream. Collect about 2 ounces (a quarter cup) of this “midstream” urine without stopping the flow. Don’t touch the rim of the container to your genital area.
• Finish urinating.
• Replace the lid on the container.
• Wash your hands.

Results are ready in 1 day.

Each lab has a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn’t in the normal range may still be normal for you.

Many conditions can affect sodium levels. Your doctor will talk with you about any abnormal results that may be related to your symptoms and past health.

Tests to Measure Kidney Function, Damage and Detect Abnormalities:

Healthy kidneys remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood. Blood and urine tests show how well the kidneys are doing their job and how quickly body wastes are being removed.  Urine tests can also detect whether the kidneys are leaking abnormal amounts of protein, a sign of kidney damage. Here’s a quick guide to the tests used to measure kidney function.

Serum Creatinine:

Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles of the body. Creatinine levels in the blood can vary depending on age and body size. A creatinine level of greater than 1.2 for women and greater than 1.4 for men may be an early sign that the kidneys are not working properly. As kidney disease progresses, the level of creatinine in the blood rises.

Glomerular Filtration Rate(GFR):

This test is a measure of how well the kidneys are removing wastes and excess fluid from the blood. It is calculated from the serum creatinine level using age and gender. Normal GFR can vary according to age (as you get older it can decrease). The normal value for GFR is 90 or above. A GFR below 60 is a sign that the kidneys are not working properly. Once the GFR decreases below 15, one is at high risk for needing treatment for kidney failure, such as dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Urinary Incontinence:

At least 10 million Americans suffer from incontinence, which means that they are not able to control the times when they urinate. In some cases, the loss of urine is so small that people are hardly aware of it. In other cases, the amount of leakage is quite large. Only about 10 percent of people who suffer from incontinence seek treatment. Without treatment, many of these people stay at home and withdraw from life unnecessarily. Incontinence is not a disease, but it can be a symptom of disease.

Does pregnancy cause urinary incontinence?

Pregnant women may have a small amount of urine leakage due to the pressure of the baby against the bladder and the muscles that support it. Usually, this leakage occurs when the woman coughs or sneezes. The problem generally goes away within three or four months after the baby is born. It is helpful if the woman does exercises, called Kegel exercises, to strengthen the muscles. Sometimes, women who have had children are more likely to develop incontinence when they get older due to weakening of the muscles that support the bladder. This is sometimes treated by medications, but surgery may be needed in some cases.

Which diseases can cause incontinence?

Diabetes, strokes and nerve diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. These diseases can damage the nerves that control the bladder which is where urine is stored before it leaves the body. These diseases can also weaken the “sphincter,” a ring of muscle around the opening of the bladder. This ring usually keeps urine from leaking out. Men can have incontinence from problems such as overgrowth of the prostate gland or cancer of the prostate gland, both of which can block the flow of urine. In these cases, urine leaks out when the bladder becomes too full.

What are liver function tests?

Liver function tests (also known as a liver panel) are blood tests that measure  different enzymes, proteins, and other substances made by the liver. These tests check the overall health of your liver. The different substances are often tested at the same time on a single blood sample, and may include the following:

• Albumin, a protein made in the liver
• Total protein. This test measures the total amount of protein in the blood.
• ALP (alkaline phosphatase), ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). These are different enzymes made by the liver.
• Bilirubin, a waste product made by the liver.
• Lactate dehydrogenase (LD), an enzyme found in most of the body’s cells. LD is released into the blood when cells have been damaged by disease or injury.
• Prothrombin time (PT), a protein involved in blood clotting.

Nowadays, people ignore minor health problems that later become the cause of major diseases.  Therefore, everyone should pay attention to every problem related to their body. By contacting a good doctor, you can get your general check-up or full body check-up done. It is a routine test in which all the body systems are tested easily, such as blood test, urine test, stool test, diabetes test, thyroid test, etc.  However, by getting the entire body examined, diseases can be detected in advance. Apart from this, to keep the body healthy, a full body check-up must be done at least once a year. Probably many people must be wondering what is a full body check-up and who should get it done? Let’s elaborate on this topic on  today’s article.

What is full body check-up?

Full body check-up is not mandatory for everyone; it is up to you if you want the information about all the systems of your body. But if you are experiencing any health issues, then you can get a full body check-up done to find out the disease accurately. However, the doctor recommends getting the blood test and the urine test done first. So that what is happening inside the body can be known. Apart from this, there are other tests also which should be done as per the advice of the doctor. The following article explains the general examination.

What tests are done in normal check-up?

Let me tell you, in a general health check-up, diabetes test, thyroid test, liver test, kidney test, hemoglobin test, etc. are advised by the doctor.

• Diabetes screening – Diabetes screening is common for people suffering from diabetes. This test is recommended in a medical examination to know the level of diabetes so that the person can know their blood sugar levels accurately.
• Thyroid testing – People who have thyroid problems are advised to undergo a thyroid test every month. Apart from this, people who do not have thyroid problems can get examined to know if they have this problem.
• Liver examination – The liver function test is done to confirm whether the liver is performing its function properly or not.
• Kidney examination – Kidney examination is done to know whether the kidney is functioning properly or not.
• Hemoglobin test – To check the level of hemoglobin in the body, a hemoglobin test is done.  The doctor explains whether the level of hemoglobin is increasing or decreasing in the body.

What tests are done in full body check-up?

The doctor often recommends people to undergo general tests. But if there is any kind of problem in the body, then to find out that problem, he recommends a full body check-up. There are no risks involved in full body check-up.

Following test are involved : 

• For example, in a blood test, hemoglobin levels and polymorphs, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, etc. are measured. Apart from this, blood sugar and cholesterol levels are also tested by a blood test.
• Urine test – Urine test is done to find out the amount of glucose and protein.
• ECG – An ECG test is performed to detect any heart disease and measure the heart rate.
• Ear examination – Ear examination is done to examine the health and hearing capacity of the ear.
• Eye examination – To check the eye vision and whether the eye is functioning properly or not. Apart from this, eyes can be tested to detect myopia, hypermetropia, and color blindness, etc.
• X-rays and scans – Medical practitioners can perform X-rays and scans depending on the patient’s condition.
• Liver function tests – Some tests can be done to check for any abnormalities in the liver. These investigations include protein, SGOT, SGPT, albumin, globulin, bilirubin, etc.

What tests do doctors recommend to take based on age? 

• Illnesses can occur to anybody at any time. Therefore, to avoid the risk of diseases, everyone should have their body examined once so that you can know whether you have the disease or not. But the doctors recommend the following tests based on the age group to people without any disease. Let us explain further.
• Those who are 20 years old should get their BP, height, and weight checked once a year along with eye and teeth examination. HIV screening should be done every 2 years.
• People who are 30 years and above should undergo blood tests for thyroid, diabetes, anemia, liver problems in addition to the tests mentioned above. Besides this, get the heart examined once a year for heart-related ailments.
• People who are 40 years and above should undergo a cardiovascular examination once in five years in addition to the investigations mentioned above.
• People who are 50 years and above should get BP, diabetes, eye check-up, ear test, and depression checked every year in addition to routine investigations.
• People aged 60-70 years should get their bones tested and screened every year in addition to normal tests. Also, tests for Alzheimer’s and dementia should be performed every year

harmone test for females:

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Vitamin test is as necessary as similar other health check-ups
Vitamin is considered as one of the most important elements of the human body. Lack of vitamin may cause several kinds of diseases and it is known to all that some of those diseases are incurable too. Now the problem is, this is impossible to almost each and everyone to know about the exact percentage of vitamin in their body. That can be considered as the prime reason why we should go for a vitamin checkup.

Advantages of a vitamin checkup

• There are several categories of vitamin in a human body. A checkup can help you understand the exact kind of the vitamin that your body lacks.
• If you are suffering from the crisis of any specific kind of vitamin in your body, then a checkup can help the doctors find out the exact treatment for you.

It can also help you to know about the practices, exercises or the precautionary measures that are necessary to increase the amount of vitamin.

Vitamin Test Profiles:

Each and every day, the number of people who are facing several kinds of physical issues due to lack of vitamin in their body are aggressively increasing day by day. This can be considered as the prime reason why more and more people being interested to go for a vitamin check-up to stay away from the risks of facing miserable physical issues.

We have the best solution for you at this very moment. We provide affordable vitamin test profiles at a very reasonable cost that can terminate all your worries. Thyrocare offers various Vitamin profiles which price starts from 620. Feel free to call us to know more about the tests that each of our packages includes or to fetch more necessary information in this regard.

HIV testing, also called HIV screening, is the only way to know if you have the virus.

Several types of tests check your blood or other body fluids to see whether you’re infected. Most can’t spot HIV right away, because it takes time for your body to make antibodies or for enough of the virus to grow inside you.

Importance of HIV Testing

If you have the virus, finding out quickly means you can start treatment right away so you can feel better and live a long, full life. You can also take steps so you don’t pass HIV to other people.

Pregnant women should get tested because early treatment means you probably won’t pass it to your baby.

Who Should Get an HIV Test?

The CDC recommends that everyone in the United States between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once.

You should be tested more often — at least once a year — if you’re at higher risk of getting HIV, including if you:

Have had several sexual partners
Had unprotected sex with someone who is or could be HIV-positive, including someone whose sexual history you don’t know
Injected drugs with a needle, syringe, or other device that someone else used first
Have had or are getting tested for tuberculosis, hepatitis, or any sexually transmitted disease, including syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or herpes
Have had sex for drugs or money
Had sex with someone who has a history of any of these
HIV Testing Types

Antibody screening tests

These tests check for protein that your body makes within 2 to 8 weeks of an HIV infection. They’re also called immunoassay or ELISA tests. They’re generally very accurate.

Rapid versions of these blood and oral fluid tests can give results in 30 minutes or less, but they may give negative results even when you’re infected. This is called a false negative.

Antibody/antigen combination tests

The CDC recommends these blood tests. They can detect HIV earlier than antibody screening tests. They check for HIV antigen, a protein called p24 that’s part of the virus and shows up 2 to 4 weeks after infection. They also check for HIV antibodies.

A rapid antibody/antigen test can give results in 20 minutes.

Most people who get dengue fever have no symptoms, or mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and headache. These symptoms usually last for a week or so. But sometimes dengue fever can develop into a much more serious disease called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

DHF causes life-threatening symptoms, including blood vessel damage and shock. Shock is a condition that can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure and organ failure.

DHF mostly affects children under 10. It can also develop if you have dengue fever and get infected a second time before you have fully recovered from your first infection.

A dengue fever test checks your blood for signs of a dengue fever infection. There are two main types of dengue fever blood tests. One looks for the virus itself; the other checks for antibodies to the virus. Antibodies are proteins made by your immune system to fight foreign substances like viruses.

While there is no medicine that can cure dengue fever or DHF, other treatments can help relieve symptoms. This can make you more comfortable if you have dengue fever. It can be lifesaving if you have DHF.

Other names: dengue virus antibody, dengue virus by PCR

What is it used for?
A dengue fever test is used to find out if you have been infected with the dengue virus. It is mostly used for people who have symptoms of illness and have recently traveled to an area where dengue infections are common.

Why do I need a dengue fever test?
You may need this test if you live or have recently traveled to an area where dengue is common, and you have symptoms of dengue fever. Symptoms usually show up four to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, and may include:

• Sudden high fever (104°F or higher)
• Swollen glands
• Rash on the face
• Severe headache and/or pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) causes more severe symptoms and can be life-threatening. If you’ve had symptoms of dengue fever and/or have been in an area that has dengue, you may be at risk for DHF. Seek medical help immediately if you or your child has one or more of the following symptoms:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting that doesn’t go away
• Bleeding gums
• Nose bleeds
• Bleeding under the skin, which may look like bruises
• Blood in urine and/or stools
• Difficulty breathing
• Cold, clammy skin
• Restlessness

What happens during a dengue fever test?

Your health care provider will probably ask about your symptoms and for details on your recent travels. If an infection is suspected, you will get a blood test to check for the dengue virus.

During a blood test, 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.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
You don’t need any special preparations for a dengue fever test.

Are there any risks to the test?
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

What do the results mean?
A positive result means you probably have been infected with the dengue virus. A negative result can mean you aren’t infected or you were tested too soon for the virus to show up in testing. If you think you were exposed to the dengue virus and/or have symptoms of infection, talk to your health care provider about whether you need to be retested.

If your results were positive, talk to your health care provider about how to best treat your dengue fever infection. There are no medicines for dengue fever, but your provider will probably recommend that you get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. You may also be advised to take over-the-counter pain relievers with acetaminophen (Tylenol), to help ease body aches and reduce fever. Aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are not recommended, as they may worsen bleeding.

If your results are positive and you have symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever, you may need to go to the hospital for treatment. Treatment may include getting fluids through an intravenous (IV) line, a blood transfusion if you’ve lost a lot of blood, and careful monitoring of blood pressure.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

Is there anything else I need to know about a dengue fever test?
If you will be traveling to an area where dengue is common, you can take steps to reduce your risk of getting infected with the dengue virus.

These include:

• Apply an insect repellent containing DEET on your skin and clothing.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Use screens on windows and doors.
• Sleep under a mosquito net.
  Also, a vaccine to prevent dengue fever is available in certain areas where the virus ins common.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in your blood and every cell of your body. You need some cholesterol to keep your cells and organs healthy. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. But you can also get cholesterol from the foods you eat, especially meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy products. Foods that are high in dietary fat can also make your liver produce more cholesterol.

There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the amount of each type of cholesterol and certain fats in your blood.

Too much LDL cholesterol in your blood may put you at risk for heart disease and other serious conditions. High LDL levels can cause the build-up of plaque, a fatty substance that narrows the arteries and blocks blood from flowing normally. When blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause a heart attack. When blood flow to the brain is blocked, it can lead to stroke and peripheral artery disease.

Other names for a cholesterol test: Lipid profile, Lipid panel

What is it used for?
If you have high cholesterol, you may not experience any symptoms at all, but you could be at significant risk for heart disease. A cholesterol test can give your health care provider important information about the cholesterol levels in your blood. The test measures:

• LDL levels. Also known as the “bad” cholesterol, LDL is the main source of blockages in the arteries.
• HDL levels. Considered the “good” cholesterol, HDL helps get rid of “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Total cholesterol. The combined amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in your blood.
Triglycerides A type of fat found in your blood. According to some studies, high levels of triglycerides may increase the risk of heart disease, especially in women.
VLDL levels. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is another type of “bad” cholesterol. Development of plaque on the arteries has been linked to high VLDL levels. It’s not easy to measure VLDL, so most of the time these levels are estimated based on triglyceride measurements.
Why do I need a cholesterol test?
Your doctor may order a cholesterol test as part of a routine exam, or if you have a family history of heart disease or one or more of the following risk factors:

• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Smoking
• Excess weight or obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• A diet high in saturated fat
• Your age may also be a factor, because your risk for heart disease increases as you get older.

What happens during a cholesterol test?

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.

Cholesterol tests are usually done in the morning, as you may be asked to refrain from eating for several hours prior to the test.

You may also be able to use an at-home kit to test for cholesterol. While instructions may vary between brands, your kit will include some kind of device to prick your finger. You’ll use this device to collect a drop of blood for testing. Be sure to follow the kit instructions carefully.

Also, be sure to tell your health care provider if your at-home test results shown your cholesterol level is higher than 200 mg/dl.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
You may need to fast–no food or drink–for 9 to 12 hours before your blood is drawn. Your health care provider will let you know if you need to fast and if there are any special instructions to follow.

Are there any risks to the test?
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

What do the results mean?
Cholesterol is usually measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. The information below shows how the different types of cholesterol measurements are categorized.

A healthy cholesterol range for you may depend on your age, family history, lifestyle, and other risk factors. In general, low LDL levels and high HDL cholesterol levels are good for heart health. High levels of triglycerides may also put you at risk for heart disease.

The LDL on your results may say “calculated” which means it includes a calculation of total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. Your LDL level may also be measured “directly,” without using other measurements. Regardless, you want your LDL number to be low.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

Is there anything else I need to know about my cholesterol levels?
High cholesterol can lead to heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. While some risk factors for cholesterol, such as age and heredity, are beyond your control, there are actions you can take to lower your LDL levels and reduce your risk, including:

• Eating a healthy diet. Reducing or avoiding foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol can help reduce the cholesterol levels in your blood.
• Losing weight. Being overweight can increase your cholesterol and risk for heart disease.
• Staying active. Regular exercise may help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raise your HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It may also help you lose weight.
• Talk to your health care provider before making any major change in your diet or exercise routine.

jaundice is a condition in which the skin, whites of the eyes and mucous membranes turn yellow because of a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment. Jaundice has many causes, including hepatitis, gallstones and tumors. In adults, jaundice usually doesn’t need to be treated.

Thyroid Tests

Health care professionals use thyroid tests to check how well your thyroid is working and to find the cause of problems such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck that makes two thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T₄) and triiodothyronine (T₃). Thyroid hormones control how the body uses energy, so they affect nearly every organ in your body, even your heart.

Thyroid tests help health care professionals diagnose thyroid diseases such as

• hyperthyroidism—when thyroid hormone levels are too high
• Graves’ disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism
• hypothyroidism—when thyroid hormones levels are too low
• Hashimoto’s disease, of the most common cause of hypothyroidism
• thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer NIH external link

What blood tests do doctors use to check thyroid function?

Doctors may order one or more blood tests to check your thyroid function. Tests may include thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T₄, T₃, and thyroid antibody tests.

For these tests, a health care professional will draw blood from your arm and send it to a lab for testing. Your doctor will talk to you about your test results.

TSH test

Health care professionals usually check the amount of TSH in your blood first. TSH is a hormone made in the pituitary gland that tells the thyroid how much T₄ and T₃ to make.

A high TSH level most often means you have hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. This means that your thyroid isn’t making enough hormone. As a result, the pituitary keeps making and releasing TSH into your blood.

A low TSH level usually means you have hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid. This means that your thyroid is making too much hormone, so the pituitary stops making and releasing TSH into your blood.

If the TSH test results are not normal, you will need at least one other test to help find the cause of the problem.

T₄ tests

A high blood level of T₄ may mean you have hyperthyroidism. A low level of T₄ may mean you have hypothyroidism.

In some cases, high or low T₄ levels may not mean you have thyroid problems. If you are pregnant or are taking oral contraceptives NIH external link, your thyroid hormone levels will be higher. Severe illness or using corticosteroids—medicines to treat asthma, arthritis, skin conditions, and other health problems—can lower T₄ levels. These conditions and medicines change the amount of proteins in your blood that “bind,” or attach, to T₄. Bound T₄ is kept in reserve in the blood until it’s needed. “Free” T₄ is not bound to these proteins and is available to enter body tissues. Because changes in binding protein levels don’t affect free T₄ levels, many healthcare professionals prefer to measure free T₄.

T₃ test

If your health care professional thinks you may have hyperthyroidism even though your T₄ level is normal, you may have a T₃ test to confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes T₄ is normal yet T₃ is high, so measuring both T₄ and T₃ levels can be useful in diagnosing hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid antibody tests

Measuring levels of thyroid antibodies may help diagnose an autoimmune thyroid disorder such as Graves’ disease—the most common cause of hyperthyroidism—and Hashimoto’s disease—the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Thyroid antibodies are made when your immune system attacks the thyroid gland by mistake. Your health care professional may order thyroid antibody tests if the results of other blood tests suggest thyroid disease.

What imaging tests do doctors use to diagnose and find the cause of thyroid disease?

Your health care professional may order one or more imaging tests to diagnose and find the cause of thyroid disease. A trained technician usually does these tests in your doctor’s office, outpatient center, or hospital. A radiologist, a doctor who specializes in medical imaging, reviews the images and sends a report for your health care professional to discuss with you.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound of the thyroid is most often used to look for, or more closely at, thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodules are lumps in your neck. Ultrasound can help your doctor tell if the nodules are more likely to be cancerous.

For an ultrasound, you will lie on an exam table and a technician will run a device called a transducer over your neck. The transducer bounces safe, painless sound waves off your neck to make pictures of your thyroid. The ultrasound usually takes around 30 minutes.

Thyroid scan

Health care professionals use a thyroid scan to look at the size, shape, and position of the thyroid gland. This test uses a small amount of radioactive iodine to help find the cause of hyperthyroidism and check for thyroid nodules. Your health care professional may ask you to avoid foods high in iodine, such as kelp, or medicines containing iodine for a week before the test.

For the scan, a technician injects a small amount of radioactive iodine or a similar substance into your vein. You also may swallow the substance in liquid or capsule form. The scan takes place 30 minutes after an injection, or up to 24 hours after you swallow the substance, so your thyroid has enough time to absorb it.

During the scan, you will lie on an exam table while a special camera takes pictures of your thyroid. The scan usually takes 30 minutes or less.

Thyroid nodules that make too much thyroid hormone show up clearly in the pictures. Radioactive iodine that shows up over the whole thyroid could mean you have Graves’ disease.

Even though only a small amount of radiation is needed for a thyroid scan and it is thought to be safe, you should not have this test if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Radioactive iodine uptake test

A radioactive iodine uptake test, also called a thyroid uptake test, can help check thyroid function and find the cause of hyperthyroidism. The thyroid “takes up” iodine from the blood to make thyroid hormones, which is why this is called an uptake test. Your health care professional may ask you to avoid foods high in iodine, such as kelp, or medicines containing iodine for a week before the test.

For this test, you will swallow a small amount of radioactive iodine in liquid or capsule form. During the test, you will sit in a chair while a technician places a device called a gamma probe in front of your neck, near your thyroid gland. The probe measures how much radioactive iodine your thyroid takes up from your blood. Measurements are often taken 4 to 6 hours after you swallow the radioactive iodine and again at 24 hours. The test takes only a few minutes.

If your thyroid collects a large amount of radioactive iodine, you may have Graves’ disease, or one or more nodules that make too much thyroid hormone. You may have this test at the same time as a thyroid scan.

Even though the test uses a small amount of radiation and is thought to be safe, you should not have this test if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What tests do doctors use if I have a thyroid nodule?

If your health care professional finds a nodule or lump in your neck during a physical exam or on thyroid imaging tests, you may have a fine needle aspiration biopsy to see if the lump is cancerous or noncancerous.

For this test, you will lie on an exam table and slightly bend your neck backward. A technician will clean your neck with an antiseptic and may use medicine to numb the area. An endocrinologist who treats people with endocrine gland problems like thyroid disease, or a specially trained radiologist, will place a needle through the skin and use ultrasound to guide the needle to the nodule. Small samples of tissue from the nodule will be sent to a lab for testing. This procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. Your health care professional will talk with you about the test result when it is available.

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