Urine Thyroid Hormones (T3/T4) & Iodine (G)

A cost effective method of combining the urine thyroid hormone test (T3 &T4 only) with urinary iodine. Iodine is vital for optimal thyroid health and deficiencies are often implicated in hypothyroidism.

The elevation of thyroid hormone levels in urine, assesses tissue exposure to thyroid hormones over a 24-hour period. The urine thyroid test therefore serves as a valuable tool for detecting those patients that are suffering from thyroid dysfunction, particularly low grade hypothyroidism who might otherwise go undetected through standard blood tests. It is important to use this test as an adjunct to other indicators of thyroid function, such as body temperature, symptomology and standard blood thyroid tests.

Overview

A cost effective method of combining the urine thyroid hormone test (T3 &T4 only) with urinary iodine. Iodine is vital for optimal thyroid health and deficiencies are often implicated in hypothyroidism.

Analytes

• Iodine
• T3 (urine)
• T4 (urine)
• T4/T3 Ratio

Specimen

Urine (FROZEN) - 24h collection must be made on a Sunday so the frozen urine sample can be shipped on Monday.

If not possible, sample collection can be done on Monday to be shipped frozen on Tuesday latest.

Container

• White capped vial

Patient preparation

• It is essential to avoid excessive fluid intake for the duration of collection. Aim to drink no more than an average fluid intake of 1.5 litres, spread throughout this time.
  
• Discontinue all non-essential medications and dietary supplements, unless instructed otherwise by your practitioner.
  
• Certain medicines may impact test results [e.g. cephalosporins, cimetidine (Tagamet), fibrates (e.g. Ciprofibrate) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole]. Let your practitioner know about your use of these medications.