Free and Bound T4
Does this test have other names?
Total T4 concentration, thyroxine screen, free T4 concentration, FT4
What is this test?
This test measures the level of the hormone thyroxine (T4) in your blood. The hormone
is made by your thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland near the base
of your throat, above your collarbones.
The thyroid gland makes T4 in response to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is
made by the pituitary gland in your brain.
T4 is found in the body in 2 forms: free T4 and bound T4. Free T4 travels into body
tissues that use T4. Bound T4 attaches to proteins that prevent it from entering these
tissues. More than 99% of T4 is bound. Because T4 is converted into another thyroid
hormone called T3 (triiodothyronine), free T4 is the more important hormone to measure.
Any changes show up in T4 first.
T3 and T4 help to control how your body stores and uses energy to do its work (metabolism).
The thyroid hormones also help control many of your body's other processes. These
include:
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Breathing
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Heart function
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Nervous system function
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Body temperature
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Cholesterol level
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Weight gain
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Brain development
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Moisture in the skin
-
Menstruation
This test can show your healthcare provider if your thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism)
or underactive (hypothyroidism).
Why do I need this test?
You may need this test if you have symptoms of thyroid problems.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, or too much thyroid activity, include:
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Anxiety and mood swings
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Irritability
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Weakness in the arms and legs
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Sleeping problems
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Hand tremors
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Sweating
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Low tolerance for heat
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Irregular heartbeat
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Extreme tiredness
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Unexplained weight loss
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More frequent bowel movements than usual
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Eye irritation or bulging eyes (these are symptoms of Graves disease, a common cause
of hyperthyroidism)
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Menstrual irregularity
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Enlarged breasts and erectile dysfunction in men
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Thinning of hair
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High blood sugar
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Shortness of breath
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More urination
Symptoms of hypothyroidism, or less than normal thyroid activity, include:
What other tests might I have along with this test?
You may need other tests to measure thyroid-related substances. These include:
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TSH, T3, and free T3
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Imaging scans, such as ultrasound of the thyroid gland
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Radioactive iodine uptake scan of the thyroid (RAIU scan)
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Thyroglobulin, which is used to make and store thyroid hormones
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TSH receptor-stimulator antibodies, which are used to diagnose Graves disease
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Thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies, which are used to diagnose
Hashimoto thyroiditis
What do my test results mean?
Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things.
Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. They may not mean you
have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.
Results are given in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL). The normal range for total
T4—both free and bound—varies by laboratory. But the usual range for total T4 in adults
is 5.4 to 11.5 mcg/dL.
Free T4 is usually measured 2 ways:
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Free T4, with normal ranges determined by the testing method the lab uses
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Free T4 index, a formula that includes total T4 and a measurement called thyroid hormone-binding
index. The normal range for the free T index is 4.8 to 12.7 mcg/dL.
If your results show high total T4 or a high free T4 index, it means you may have
hyperthyroidism. If your results show low total T4 or a low free T4 index, it means
you may have hypothyroidism.
Several other health conditions may cause high or low levels of T4.
How is this test done?
The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in
your arm or hand.
Does this test pose any risks?
Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection,
bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may
feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore.
What might affect my test results?
A number of medicines, such as estrogens, can affect your results. Being pregnant
can also affect your results.
How do I get ready for this test?
You don't need to prepare for this test. But be sure your healthcare provider knows
about all the medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes
medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.