A thyroid test measures signals and hormones involved in thyroid function, often beginning with TSH and adding T4 or T3 measurements when a fuller picture is useful. Some options also measure thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies, which help investigate whether immune activity is relevant. Compare whether your question is about TSH with free hormones, total T4 and T3 uptake, or antibodies. Then select a panel whose listed measurements match the results you want to discuss with a health professional, especially if symptoms or ongoing thyroid care are involved.
What TSH, T4, and T3 results describe
TSH is a pituitary signal used alongside thyroid hormone results to assess the thyroid feedback system. Free T4 reflects the unbound portion of thyroxine circulating in blood, while free T3 reflects unbound triiodothyronine. The Thyroid TSH w/ Free T4 & Free T3 panel measures all three. The Thyroid Profile w/ TSH measures TSH, total T4, T3 uptake, and a free T4 index. Total T4 includes hormone carried by blood proteins; T3 uptake and the free T4 index help place that total T4 result in relation to binding proteins. A single result does not establish a diagnosis, so symptoms, prior results, and professional review matter.
When thyroid antibodies add a different question
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies measure antibodies directed at thyroid-related proteins. They do not measure thyroid hormone output, and antibody results alone do not diagnose an autoimmune thyroid condition. The Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TAA) test measures both antibodies, while the Thyroid Starter combines them with TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, TSI, and total T3. That distinction matters when the goal is to review immune-related findings alongside hormone measurements rather than to obtain antibodies alone. A clinician can interpret antibody findings alongside TSH and free hormone results, symptoms, and medical history.
Adding ferritin and vitamin D to thyroid measurements
The Thyroid Panel with Ferritin and Vitamin D measures TSH, free T4, free T3, TPO antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, ferritin, and vitamin D forms including 25-OH total. Ferritin reflects stored iron and is not a thyroid hormone measurement. Vitamin D testing reports 25-OH vitamin D, including total, D2, and D3 values. These results can help structure a broader conversation when fatigue, hair changes, or other nonspecific concerns overlap with thyroid questions, because such symptoms have several possible causes. They should not be used to assign those symptoms to the thyroid. Review notable findings with a qualified professional.