Introduction:
TT4 is the main product of thyroid secretion and is an essential ingredient in the integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary gland. The TT4 measures can be used for the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, primary and secondary, and TT4 inhibition of treatment.
Clinical Significance
✔ Abnormally high test results
Elevated T4 levels may indicate hyperthyroidism. They may also indicate other thyroid problems, such as thyroiditis or toxic multinodular goiter
Other reasons for abnormal results may include:
high levels of protein in the blood
too much iodine
too much thyroid replacement medication
trophoblastic disease, a group of rare pregnancy related tumors
germ cell tumors
Too much iodine can raise your T4 levels. Because X-ray dyes can include iodine, a recent X-ray involving dye may also raise your T4 test results
✔ Abnormally low test results
Abnormally low levels of T4 may indicate:
dietary issues, such as fasting, malnutrition, or an iodine deficiency
medications that affect protein levels
Hypothyroidism
Illness
a pituitary problem
Intent Use
A T4 test is used to evaluate thyroid function and diagnose thyroid disease.