Thyroid Blood Test Cost
A thyroid test is designed to measure the thyroid hormones, antibodies and the proteins in the bloodstream to help diagnose and observe thyroid ailments like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer.
The thyroid gland, being responsible for regulating how your body uses energy, also produces your hormones critical to your body’s cell and system functioning.
Your doctor may recommend this test if he or she suspects you are experiencing symptoms in align with either hypo- or hyperthyroidism.
How much does a thyroid test cost?
The costs of a thyroid test will depend on how you have the test done, the type of tests performed, your geographical location and your health insurance provider.
If you have health insurance, these tests are typically covered as long as they are deemed a medical necessity. For most cost reports online, many claimed they paid as little as $0 to more than $50 after insurance paid its share if the test was performed at their local doctor’s office.
As for those who do not have insurance, again, the costs will greatly depend on the type of test. For the most part, many of the labs online offer a thyroid panel test, which consists of the thyroid stimulating hormone test, T4 total, free T3, free T4 and thyroid peroxidase antibodies tests all in one. This type of test can range anywhere from $125 to $150 if you order from a lab online and have the blood drawn at a local approved site. Most of these labs will not accept insurance.
WalkinLab.com, for instance, offers a variety of thyroid tests ranging from $38 for a thyroxine (T4) free direct serum test to as much as $295 for a comprehensive thyroid #4 blood test panel.
At a doctor’s office, however, patients have reported paying anywhere from $350 to $550 without insurance and that didn’t include the doctor’s fee. Again this would greatly depend on the factors mentioned above.
How the test works
As per LabCorp.com, the test is a simple blow drawn from the vein in your arm and no special preparation is necessary; however, in some cases, your medications may interfere with the test, so it’s always best to talk with your doctor ahead of time to know which medications may interfere with your results. All tests require no fasting as per the Cleveland Clinic.
This test can be performed either at your local doctor’s office or at a local lab if purchased online.
The lab tests typically begin with a TSH test, and if the results are abnormal, then a free T4 test is then considered, with a total T3 or free T3 considered as well, depending on your results. In most cases, LabCorp mentions the lab will automatically perform a follow-up test, known as a reflex test, with the same blood work to help save the practitioner time. As an alternative to these tests, a panel may be recommended, which is a test designed to get a complete picture of the thyroid function.
| Types of Thyroid Test | Description |
|---|---|
| TSH | A TSH test is considered to be the best way to test how well the thyroid is functioning If the results are too high, this could indicate the thyroid gland is failing, but if the levels are too low, then it could indicate an overactive thyroid which is producing too much of the thyroid hormone. |
| T3 | This test can help diagnosis hyperthyroidism or in the case of hyperthyroidism, it can help determine the severity of it. |
| T4 | The free T4 is probably the most important to determine how well the thyroid is functioning. Also referred to as the FT4 or FTI, if an individual has hyperthyroidism, they will have elevated FT4 levels, whereas those with hypothyroidism will have a lower level. |
When is a thyroid test ordered?
As mentioned prior, your doctor may order this test if you are experiencing symptoms which may suggest either hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include the following:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Difficult time sleeping
- Diarrhea
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Increased heart rate
- Menstrual irregularity
- Puffy-like skin
- Weight gain or loss
Source: Piedmont Healthcare
The thyroid test results
If the thyroid isn’t functioning the way it should, then either an increase or decrease of the thyroid hormones may show up in the results. When the TSH concentrations show increased amounts, then the thyroid will create and release the inappropriate amounts of T4 and T3, which makes the patient feel the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. However, if there is a decreased production of the thyroid hormones, then a patient may experience the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
| TSH | T4 | T3 | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | Normal | Normal | Mild hypothyroidism |
| High | Low | Low/Normal | Hypothyroidism |
| Low | Normal | Normal | Mild hyperthyroidism |
| Low | High/Normal | High/Normal | Hyperthyroidism |
| Low | Low/Normal | Low/Normal | Pituitary Hypothyroidism |
| Normal | High | High | Thyroid hormone resistance syndrome |
Source: VeryWell.com
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Average Reported Cost: $0
