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Free T3 Levels

Meaning

Free T3 levels refer to the concentration of unbound, biologically active triiodothyronine (T3) circulating in the bloodstream, representing the fraction of thyroid hormone available to interact with target tissues. T3 is the most potent thyroid hormone, primarily responsible for regulating basal metabolic rate, cardiac function, and nervous system development. Unlike total T3, which includes hormone bound to transport proteins like thyroxine-binding globulin, the free level provides a more accurate assessment of the body’s true thyroid status. Clinically, measuring free T3 is essential for diagnosing and managing thyroid disorders, particularly hyperthyroidism and peripheral thyroid hormone resistance.