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Thyroid (TSH) blood test
The thyroid gland is a walnut sized gland in your neck just below your Adam's apple. It produces a hormone called thyroxine which plays an important role in the metabolism of all the cells in your body. Your thyroid can be underactive (hypothyroid), which means that the cells in your body slow down, for example your heart rate will decrease and you might gain weight. If your thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) which is where your thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine and the cells and organs work much quicker than they should. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include an increase in heart rate, tremors and weight loss.
Thyroxine is produced by the thyroid gland and regulates the metabolism of all your cells and organs. As well as thyroid function tests, you might also want to consider your cortisol hormone test. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands which sit on top of your kidneys. Abnormal levels of cortisol can cause similar symptoms.
Thyroxine (free T4 or T4)
TSH is produced by a small gland situated at the base of the brain called the pituitary gland. It stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine (often called free T4 or T4) to keep your cells and organs working as they should.
Thyroid stimulating hormone test (TSH test)
What's included in this thyroid blood test?
Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant physician or one of his highly trained clinical colleagues will be looking after you.
Who will be providing your thyroid function test?
We're a team of trained experts
Experts in Infectious Diseases, General and Travel Medicine
Over 21 years of experience in Travel Health
Cared for more than
10,000 patients
Over 150 5 star reviews on Google Reviews
Frequently asked questions
As you will only be attending for the blood test, it will be quick, just 10-15 minutes.
If you’re not so good with blood tests, it’s worth bringing some water to drink afterwards just in case. You can also make sure you are well hydrated before coming for your test (it should only be water).
If it’s a cool day bring plenty of warm clothing as this makes it easier for our team to take the blood test. If you’re on medications/ herbal or vitamin supplements let us know what they are as some medications can affect the results.
Yes, you don’t need to fast for this blood test.
Thyroid blood test results usually take 1 - 3 working days.
Any results outside the normal range are reviewed by our doctors and shared with you through our secure online portal. We’ll ask you to contact your GP for further assessment but if it’s urgent then we’ll call you, so please make sure you give us a contact number when you book your appointment.
Authors:
Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine
MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP
Caitlin Lancaster, BSc