Pathology results in My Health Record, explained
Thyroid function test (TFT) results explained
Your thyroid makes hormones that set the pace of many body processes, from heart rate to body temperature. If your GP suspects a thyroid problem, the usual first step is a TSH test. Free T4 and free T3 may follow.
Also printed as: TSH test, Thyroid tests.
What is on the report
Typical adult ranges. Each lab sets its own, so the range printed next to your result is the one that counts.
| Test | What it is | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| TSH | A brain hormone that tells the thyroid how hard to work. | 0.3–4.2 mIU/L |
| Free T4 | The active, unattached form of the thyroid's main hormone. | 12–22 pmol/L |
| Free T3 | The unattached form of T3, the most active thyroid hormone. | 3.1–6.8 pmol/L |
| TPO antibodies | Immune proteins aimed at an enzyme inside the thyroid. | under 9 IU/mL |
Good to know in Australia
- If you have no history of thyroid problems, TSH is the one thyroid test Medicare covers.
- If your TSH comes back high or low, the lab will often go on to test free T4 or free T3 on the same blood sample, so you may not need another needle.
- TSH and thyroid hormones move in opposite directions: when thyroid hormone is low, TSH usually rises, and when it is high, TSH usually falls.
- Some supplements, including hair and nail supplements, and some medicines can affect thyroid results. Tell your GP about anything you take.
Call 000 in an emergency. For health advice at any hour, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). For questions about what your results mean for you, talk to your GP.
Keep your reports in one place
Take a photo or screenshot of your pathology report, or upload the PDF, and Vita explains each number in plain words, suggests what to ask your GP, and keeps it with your past results. Vita does not connect to My Health Record or any Australian health record system. Hospital connections work with US hospitals, not Australian ones.
Vita Health Coach on the App StoreAsk it in ChatGPT
Vita Health Coach also answers in ChatGPT. One tap opens ChatGPT with this question ready to send:
“What should I ask the doctor about my Thyroid function tests (TFT) result?”
Questions
My TSH is high but free T4 is normal. What does that mean?
This pattern can be seen with a mildly underactive thyroid, or during a sudden illness. Your GP will read it alongside your symptoms and history.
What are thyroid antibodies?
They are tests your GP may add if an autoimmune thyroid condition is suspected, where the immune system targets the thyroid. TPO antibodies are one of these.
Do I need to fast for a thyroid test?
No special preparation is needed. Mention any supplements or medicines you take, as some can change the results.
More for Australia
Sources
General information, not medical advice. VitaMedas is not connected with any government health service. Vita Health Coach explains; it never diagnoses. In an emergency, call 000. Read the medical disclaimer.