Type
Blood Testing
Biomarkers
8
Duration
15 min
Results
48 hours
Core thyroid function panel measuring TSH, free T3, and free T4 -- the three markers needed to assess the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Screens for both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. At EUR 61.88 under GOAe 1.0x rates including blood draw and outpatient fees, a cost-effective first-line thyroid assessment without referral.
This three-marker thyroid panel provides a complete functional assessment of thyroid hormone production and regulation. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is secreted by the anterior pituitary and is the single most sensitive marker for primary thyroid dysfunction. Elevated TSH indicates hypothyroidism -- the thyroid is underperforming and the pituitary compensates with increased stimulation. Suppressed TSH indicates hyperthyroidism -- excess thyroid hormone feeds back to suppress pituitary TSH secretion. Free T4 (thyroxine) is the predominant secretory product of the thyroid gland and serves as a prohormone. It is converted to the biologically more active free T3 (triiodothyronine) in peripheral tissues by deiodinase enzymes. Measuring both free hormones distinguishes between different patterns of thyroid dysfunction. Isolated T3 thyrotoxicosis (elevated T3 with normal T4) occurs in early Graves disease and toxic nodular goitre. Conversely, low T3 with normal T4 and TSH -- the low-T3 syndrome or euthyroid sick syndrome -- is seen in acute illness, caloric restriction, and severe stress. Subclinical thyroid disease (abnormal TSH with normal free hormones) is found in 4-10% of the general population. Subclinical hypothyroidism is particularly prevalent in women over 40 and in iodine-sufficient populations. Symptoms are often non-specific -- fatigue, weight changes, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, mood disturbance, hair thinning -- which is why biochemical testing is essential. Hamburg sits in a region historically considered mildly iodine-deficient, although widespread iodised salt use has improved population iodine status. Thyroid nodules and goitre remain more prevalent in northern Germany than in countries with longer histories of iodine supplementation. The GOAe 1.0x price for this panel is EUR 61.88 -- TSH at EUR 16.76, free T3 at EUR 16.76, and free T4 at EUR 16.76, plus the EUR 4.20 blood draw fee and EUR 7.40 outpatient consultation fee. At the standard 2.3x GOAe multiplier used by most German physicians, the same three assays would cost roughly EUR 120-140 before consultation fees.
Key Details
- Biomarkers
- 3
- Results
- 1-2 days
- Price
- EUR 61.88
Who Is This For?
Thyroid screening, fatigue investigation, weight changes, family history of thyroid disease, mood disturbance
What's Included
Preparation Required
No fasting required. Morning draw preferred as TSH follows a circadian rhythm with peak levels in early morning.
Panel Categories
Biomarkers Tested
8The active form of thyroid hormone responsible for regulating metabolism, energy, and body temperature. Free T3 is converted from T4 in tissues and is three to four times more potent than T4.
The unbound, active form of the main thyroid hormone T4. Free T4 directly reflects thyroid gland output and is used alongside TSH to diagnose and monitor thyroid disorders.
Free triiodothyronine; high levels indicate hyperthyroidism, low levels hypothyroidism.
Free thyroxine; high levels indicate hyperthyroidism, low levels hypothyroidism.
A group of proteins in blood including antibodies (immunoglobulins), transport proteins, and enzymes. Elevated globulin can indicate chronic infection, inflammation, or blood cancers. Calculated by subtracting albumin from total protein.
An inactive form of T3 produced when the body converts T4. Elevated reverse T3 can occur during illness, stress, or caloric restriction and may indicate impaired thyroid hormone activation despite normal TSH levels.
Antibodies against thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme essential for thyroid hormone production. Positive TPO antibodies indicate autoimmune thyroid disease, most commonly Hashimoto's thyroiditis, even before symptoms or TSH changes appear.
The primary screening test for thyroid function. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland to regulate thyroid hormone production. High TSH indicates an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), while low TSH suggests an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
EUR 61.88 total (GOAe 1.0x rates: TSH EUR 16.76 + fT3 EUR 16.76 + fT4 EUR 16.76 + EUR 4.20 blood draw + EUR 7.40 outpatient fee)
- Category
- Diagnostic
- Sample Type
- Blood (venous draw)
- Duration
- 15 min
- Results
- 48 hours