At a glance

Also known as

Free T3; T3

Why get tested?

To help diagnose and monitor treatment for thyroid disorders.

When to get tested?

Thyrioid stimulating hormone (TSH) is the preferred initial test in the assessment of thyroid function. Free triiodothyronine (FT3) may be measured in response to an abnormal TSH and/or FT4 result. It is a less reliable test for hypothyroidism and should rarely be used. It can be used for monitoring of patients on T3 therapy.

Sample required?

A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm

Test preparation needed?
None, however tell your doctor what medications you are taking as some may affect the test results.
 

What is being tested?

The test measures the amount of free triiodothyronine, or FT3, in your blood.

T3 is one of two major hormones produced by the thyroid gland (the other hormone is called thyroxine, or T4). T3 makes up less than 10 per cent of what we call thyroid hormone, while T4 makes up the rest. T3, however, is about four times as strong as T4, and is thought to cause most, if not all, the effects of thyroid hormones.

Thyroid hormones help regulate the body’s metabolism (how the body functions).

About 99.7 per cent of the T3 in blood is attached to a protein, and the rest is unattached. The blood test measures the free (unattached) T3 hormone in the blood since this is the biologically relevant fraction.

There is a feedback system between the pituitary gland, which produce TSH, and the thyroid. Normally TSH produced in the pituitary drives thyroid T3 and T4 production. If thyroid hormone production falls, TSH rises and if T3 and T4 become too high TSH levels fall.

Talking Results: what your Thyroid Function Test results can show

How is the sample collected for testing?

A blood sample is obtained from a needle placed in a vein in your arm.

Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?

None, however tell your doctor what medications you are taking as some may affect the test results.
 

The Test

How is it used?

Free triiodothyroinine (FT3) can assist in determining whether the thyroid is performing properly, and is used mainly to help diagnose hyperthyroidism, since T3 can become abnormal earlier than T4 and return to normal later than T4. This test may also be used for monitoring of patients on T3 therapy.

FT3 is not usually helpful if your doctor thinks you have hypothyroidism.

When is it requested?

A free T3 test may be performed if you get an abnormal TSH or FT4 test result.

What does the test result mean?

A high free T3 result may indicate an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).

Low free T3 results may indicate an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

About Reference Intervals

Is there anything else I should know?

When you are sick, your body decreases production of T3 from T4. Most people who are sick enough to be in the hospital will have a low FT3 level. For this reason, doctors do not usually use FT3 as a routine thyroid test for patients in hospitals.

Common Questions

How is hyperthyroidism treated?

Hyperthyroidism can be controlled through treatment. This will normally involve either tablets which stop the thyroid gland producing thyroid hormones, radioiodine treatment which destroys thyroid tissue, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.

How is hypothyroidism treated?

Hypothyroidism is easily treated and controlled for most people with thyroxine (T4) replacement in the form of a tablet.

How does pregnancy affect thyroid hormone levels?

Pregnancy can increase total T3 (and total T4) levels. Normally, free T3 levels will not change significantly as a result of pregnancy, though due to the difference in testing techniques between laboratories, some centres will have different 'normal' ranges for pregnancy.

Last Review Date: January 11, 2023


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