T3 Uptake | Ridgewood Diagnostic Laboratory

T3 Uptake

CPT:84479

Test Details

Use

Thyroid function test for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, used with thyroxine (T4) or equivalent to provide free T4 index, FTI. An indirect measure of binding protein, the T3 uptake reflects available binding sites (ie, reflects TBG). T3 uptake is not a measurement of serum T3. It should never be used alone; rather, its usual application is use with thyroxine (T4).

Limitations

Alterations in binding capacity of TBG are described with major illness and with high doses of salicylates and corticosteroids; with use of heroin, methadone, phenytoin, and perphenazine. Alterations occur with malnutrition, such as in metastatic malignancy, and are found in patients with abnormal serum protein patterns (eg, nephrotic syndromes, cirrhosis). Other states in which changes in TBG occur include infancy, acromegaly, molar and ordinary pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and with exogenous hormones including androgens, anabolic steroids, and estrogens. Hereditary increase and decrease of TBG occurs.

Methodology

Competitive immunoassay

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Serum

Volume

1 ML (adult), 0.8 ML (pediatric)

Minimum Volume

0.5 ML (adult), 0.3 ML (pediatric) (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)

Container

SST (Serum-separating tube)

Collection

If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.

Storage Instructions

Maintain sample refrigerated

Stability Requirements

Temperature Period
Room temperature Unspecified
Refrigerated ≤ 7 days
Frozen ≤ 4 weeks
Freeze/thaw cycles Avoid

Reference Interval

Range: 23.5 – 40.5 %

Clinical Information

Special Instructions

This test reflects assessment of thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) and should not be ordered alone.

This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R). It is recommended to ask all patients who may be indicated for this test about biotin supplementation. Patients should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample.