T-4 (THYROXINE), TOTAL

T-4 (THYROXINE), TOTAL

T4 (Thyroxine), Total Test measures the total levels of T4 (also known as thyroxine) in the blood.

The T4 test is used to assess how the thyroid is functioning and to help detect imbalances with the thyroid, like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.This hormone plays a role in several of your body’s functions, including growth and metabolism

Two blood tests may be performed as part of a T4 test:

• Total T4, which measures the entire amount of thyroxine in the blood, including the amount attached to blood proteins that help transport the hormone through the bloodstream
• Free T4, which measures only the thyroxine that's not attached to proteins (this is the portion of T4 in the blood that's available to affect the functioning of many types of body cells).