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Test ID: FRT3    
T3 (Triiodothyronine), Free, Serum

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Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Free triiodothyronine (T3) is a second- or third-level test of thyroid function; it provides further confirmation of hyperthyroidism, supplementing the tetraiodothyronine (T4), sensitive thyrotropin (sTSH), and total T3 assays

 

Evaluating clinically euthyroid patients who have an altered distribution of binding proteins

 

Monitoring thyroid hormone replacement therapy

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Normally triiodothyronine (T3) circulates tightly bound to thyroxine-binding globulin and albumin. Only 0.3% of the total T3 is unbound (free); the free fraction is the active form.

             

In hyperthyroidism, both thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine; thyroxine: T4) and T3 levels (total and free) are usually elevated, but in a small subset of hyperthyroid patients (T3 toxicosis) only T3 is elevated. Generally, free T3 (FT3) measurement is not necessary since total T3 will suffice. However, FT3 levels may be required to evaluate clinically euthyroid patients who have an altered distribution of binding proteins (eg, pregnancy, dysalbuminemia).

 

Some investigators recommend the FT3 assay for monitoring thyroid replacement therapy, although its clinical role is not precisely defined.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

> or =1 year: 2.8-4.4 pg/mL

 

For SI unit Reference Values, see International System of Units (SI) Conversion

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Elevated free triiodothyronine (FT3) values are associated with thyrotoxicosis or excess thyroid hormone replacement.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Free triiodothyronine (FT3) is not a sensitive test for hypothyroidism.

 

Some patients who have been exposed to animal antigens, either in the environment or as part of treatment or imaging procedures, may have circulating antianimal antibodies present. These antibodies may interfere with the assay reagents to produce unreliable results.

Clinical Reference Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Demers LM, Spencer Cl: The thyroid: pathophysiology and thyroid function testing. In Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. Fourth edition. Edited by CA Burtis, ER Ashwood, DE Bruns. St. Louis, Elsevier Saunders Company. 2006, pp 2053-2087

2. FT3 Validation 2005 and AIA Retrospective Validation V-139, 2009. Unpublished data