A panel of blood assays used in clinical practice to assess the functional status of the thyroid gland and the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. These tests typically measure levels of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), free and total thyroxine (T4), and free and total triiodothyronine (T3). The comprehensive analysis of these markers provides critical insight into metabolic rate, energy homeostasis, and the presence of thyroid dysfunction.
Origin
The development of these clinical assays emerged from the field of endocrinology following the discovery and isolation of thyroid hormones and TSH. The tests represent a standardized, objective method for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, forming the cornerstone of modern thyroid management.
Mechanism
Thyroid function tests work by quantifying the circulating concentrations of the key regulatory and effector hormones of the thyroid axis. TSH levels reflect the pituitary’s signal to the thyroid, while free T4 and T3 measure the biologically active hormones available to target tissues. Deviations from established reference ranges indicate dysregulation, prompting clinical intervention to restore the metabolic balance governed by thyroid hormones.
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