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Medical testing
Pathology testing
The main thyroid blood tests your doctor may order for you are:
- TSH – Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
- T4 – Thyroxine Level
- T3 – Tertroxine Level
- Anti TGO – Anti Thyroglobulin*
- Anti TPO – Anti Microsomal*
*Thyroid Antibody Testing – The main diagnosis of Hashimoto's and Graves' disease.
Ultrasound
A thyroid ultrasound is performed by a specialist ultrasonographer or qualified Endocrinologist. It is unobtrusive and is used to show the size, shape and texture of the thyroid gland as well as detecting and defining nodules and cysts within the thyroid.
Fine needle biopsy
Fine needle biopsy is usually done with the aid of ultrasound by a specialist doctor. A very fine needle is inserted into the thyroid gland to extract tissue from a nodule/s. This tissue is sent to a pathologist for testing – this test is used in the diagnosis of nodules and tissue change.
Radionuclide CT scan
If you have Hyperthyroidism and/or a Heart Condition and your treating doctor has requested a Thyroid CT Scan, please be aware of issues related to the RAI solutions given for these scans.
ATF Members can request ATF article – Iodine Contrast Solutions – Used in CT Scans & Other X-Rays – Prof. Jim Stockigt – Thyroid News No. 13 – Sept. 1999. (Members Please send a stamped self-addressed envelope to The ATF office