Hashimoto' disease- what blood test do i need?!
Question:
Hashimoto' disease- what blood test do i need?
I asked my dr for a full panel thryoid blood test, and he ordered a TSH, T4, CBC and uninalise (sp) Are they the same as a full panel thryoid test?
My sister was diagnosed with hashimotos disease and we are identical twins. and the disease is hereditary
Answers:
A full panel thyroid test is unnecessary to detect thyroid disease on an initial screen. In all reality, all the information needed can be gained from the TSH. If it is normal, your thyroid is functioning normally. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that has both genetic and environmental components, so while you might be predisposed towards developing it in the future, do not take your sibling's disease as a predictor of your own fate. While you share genes, your unique internal environment can be very different even between identical twins. After the TSH results have returned, find out what they were. If normal, enjoy your current health. If Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is suspected, the test you are likely referring to detects the presence of Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (Anti-TPO), which is the defining characteristic of the disease.