How much is a private thyroid test in the UK?
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How much is a private thyroid test in the UK?
Thyroid hormones secreted in the blood can provide vital insights into the function of thyroid gland. And one of the best ways to check whether the levels are normal or not is – obtaining a thyroid test.
The following blog takes you through all the available private thyroid tests in London. This will help in making well-informed decisions about your metabolic health. Read on below.
Private thyroid tests: An overview
Before we delve into the various thyroid health tests, it is important to know about this special gland.
About the thyroid
It is a small, butterfly-shaped gland, situated in front of the neck, just below the larynx. The thyroid is responsible for producing various metabolic hormones, which are released into the circulating blood.
Thyroid hormones help regulate the speed of different bodily functions, such as, respiration, digestion, fat metabolism, cardiac rate, menstruation, etc. Three major types are there:
- Triiodothyronine (T3)
- Thyroxine (T4)
- Calcitonin
The release of the above hormones is regulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), respectively.
What happens if thyroid function is disrupted?
Abnormal production of thyroid hormones is directly linked to a disrupted thyroid gland. Either the thyroid may be underactive or overactive in such cases. Sometimes, an autoimmune disease may also trigger thyroid disorders.
You can experience the following symptoms if your thyroid gland is not functioning properly.
- Unexplained weight issues
- Mood aberrations and frequent irritability
- Persistent tiredness and body weakness
- Poor concentration
- Dryness in the skin
- Brittle hair and nails
- Extreme sensitivity to cold
- Improper bowel movements, leading to constipation or diarrhoea
- Muscle aches or cramps
- Low libido
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Excessive sweating
- Shakiness of limbs
- Heart palpitations
Thyroid antibody test cost varies but taking one at home can help identify the problem.
What are thyroid tests?
These are tests that involve assessing the health of the thyroid. Commonly, they include analysing the blood, determining the presence of thyroid antibodies and performing image tests (e.g. ultrasounds).
Here is a detailed breakdown.
-
Blood Tests:
- T4 (Thyroxine) Test: T4, the inactive form of thyroxine (also known as prohormone) is converted into T3 in the liver and kidneys. T4 test allows measuring the amount of this hormone in blood. .
- Total T4:This comprises measuring both bound and unbound T4 levels.
- Free T4:Measures only the free T4.
- T3 (Triiodothyronine) Test: Quantifies the amount of triiodothyronine, the active form of thyroid hormone.
- Total T3:Helps quantify both bound and free T3.
- Free T3:Measures only the free, active form of T3.
- TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) Test: It measures TSH levels, a pituitary hormone stimulating the thyroid to produce T4 and T3.
- Thyroid Antibody Test: Helps determine antibodies that the immune system generates against the thyroid gland. Thyroid antibody test thus can indicate autoimmune thyroid conditions, such as, Hashimoto and Graves’ disease.
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO) Test:Thyroid peroxidise is an enzyme that stimulates thyroid hormone production. TPO test measures antibodies against this enzyme.
- Thyroglobulin Antibody (TgAb) Test:This test quantifies antibodies against thyroglobulin, a protein secreted by the thyroid gland.
-
Imaging Tests:
- Thyroid Ultrasound: Involves using sound waves to create detailed images of the thyroid gland. This helps identify nodule formations in the thyroid or goitre (enlargement of the thyroid gland).
- Thyriod scan: It is a radioactive iodine scanning procedure that evaluates thyroid function, identifying areas of abnormalities early on.
- Thyroid Biopsy: It is a procedure in which a sample of thyroid tissue is examined under a microscope. This helps diagnose and eliminate the presence of thyroid cancer. Also, it assesses the presence of thyroid nodules and determines if they are benign or malignant.
A private thyroid test in London facilitates all of the above. So, if you are facing any symptoms related to poor metabolism, do not sit back. Consult your locally available clinics and obtain a diagnosis as early as possible.
Cost structure of thyroid test profile in London: Explained
Now that you know about the tests include in a thyroid profile check, it is time to check on the prices. In London, three main types of testing packages are available, such as:
Thyroid test profile 1
It is the lowest package available, and comes at a cost of £95. You can get the following parameters checked:
- Free T4
- TSH
The results are typically delivered within a day.
Thyroid test profile 2
This test will cost you £224, and offers to check the below parameters:
- T4
- Free T3
- Free T4
- TSH
- Thyroid antibodies
Two days are needed for result delivery.
Thyroid test profile 3
An approximate cost of £150 is sufficient for this, and comprises the following:
- Free T3
- Free T4
- TSH
The clinical laboratory will send the results within 24 hours.
When to have an immediate thyroid test?
Consider a thyroid check as urgent if you have:
- Family history of thyroid problems
Regular screening of the thyroid is crucial for individuals who have a family history of thyroid issues. This often indicates genetic predisposition and carrying out an immediate test helps avert potential complications.
- Pregnancy
Thyroid disorders are common when a woman has a baby in her womb. If left untreated, it can negatively affect the foetus’s development. Hence, it is essential to get promptly diagnosed.
- Existing autoimmune diseases
Individuals having autoimmune diseases, (especially for women after the mid-age) are at a higher risk of developing thyroid disorders.
- Thyroid medications
People who are already on thyroid medicines and their symptoms reoccur or worsen, a quick testing is necessary. This helps in adjusting the dose.
Conclusion
Thyroid imbalance in the blood is common and there is nothing to fear about. Since you are now aware of the essentials of obtaining a private thyroid test in London, hurry up and compare the clinics nearby. Once confirming the decision, book your consultation.
