Thyroid screenings
Thyroid screenings and thyroid cancer
Thyroid screenings aren’t the first things most people think of when we think about lab tests, but perhaps they should be in our top ten for “most important lab tests.” Certainly thyroid screenings can be lifesavers because of how critical the thyroid gland is to our daily health and wellness.
Thyroid screenings: the thyroid
Your thyroid gland is a hormone factory in your throat, and it’s the metronome for all your body’s cells. Too much thyroid hormone and you’ll be on overdrive, suffering from tension, sweating, weak thighs and upper arms, frequent bowel movements and an erratic pulse. Too little, and you’ll suffer from hypothyroidism symptoms like exhaustion, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, sore muscles, depression and a constant feeling of being cold.
Thyroid cancer is another thyroid-related disease. Fortunately, most thyroid cancers are associated with an excellent outlook. Thyroid cancer is more likely to afflict people who’ve had childhood x-ray treatments for acne, Hodgkin’s, enlarged tonsils and/or thymus glands. Routine x-rays do not pose such a risk.
Thyroid screening lab tests
The Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Test, or TSH test, is offered in three packages at HealthCheckUSA, and it’s the most important test for determining thyroid status. The TSH thyroid screening analyzes the hormone production of your thyroid gland. The American Thyroid Association recommends that everyone over 35 get a TSH thyroid screening every five years.
If your TSH thyroid screening comes back abnormal, the usual procedure is to follow up with a total T4 or free T4 test as confirmation; these check for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and are effective thyroid screenings for infants. The total T3 lab test and free T3 lab test are other common thyroid screenings used to check for hyperthyroidism.
HealthCheckUSA thyroid screenings
HealthCheckUSA offers two economical thyroid screening panels that combine multiple thyroid lab tests with the TSH thyroid screening at an economical price. The Thyroid Panel includes the TSH thyroid screening as well as the T3 uptake, T4 total, and T7 thyroid screening tests. The Thyroid Panel II provides you with the TSH test and the free T3 and free T4 thyroid screenings.
Other thyroid screening offerings at HealthCheckUSA include the standalone TSH thyroid screening, the TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin) thyroid test and the anti-thyroid antibodies screening, which helps your doctor or accredited lab specialist distinguish between different thyroid ailments and pick out any autoimmune thyroid problems.
Thyroid screening tips
Several medications can interfere with a TSH thyroid screening, like corticosteroid, aspirin, and lithium. Also, if you’ve had recent X-ray that used radioactive dyes, ask your doctor when you can take a TSH thyroid screening. Women in their first trimester should also ask their doctor about the proper time to get a TSH thyroid screening.
Individuals with thyroid problems can live normal lives as long as they properly manage their thyroid condition. If you have a family history of thyroid problems, don’t hesitate to order a lab test and get a thyroid screening at HealthCheckUSA!
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