Test Overview
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Evaluation of thyroid function independent of binding protein status. Free T4 levels correlate with T4 secretion and metabolism. In hypothyroidism, FT4 is depressed and conversely, FT4 is raised in hyperthyroidism. Evaluating free T4 levels is useful when altered levels of total T4 occur due to changes in T4 binding proteins, especially TBG.
0.76 - 1.70 ng/dL
Specimen may be stored at room temperature up to 8 hours. [12/05]
No thyroid test is perfectly predictive of status of patients on thyroid medication. The test has less specificity when there is decreased binding of thyroxine by proteins.
Test Details
4 hours
- Free T4 (Thyroxine)
- Free Thyroxine
- Synthroid (Levothyroxine)
- Thyroxine, Free
- Unbound T4
- FT4
- FREE T4
Specimen Requirements
Collect specimen in a red top or SST tube. Centrifuge, aliquot serum into a plastic vial and refrigerate up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage.