Full thyroid panel
Goes beyond TSH to show how much thyroid hormone you actually have - and whether your immune system is attacking the thyroid.
TypeBlood test
HowStandard blood draw, ideally in the morning.
How oftenWhen TSH is abnormal or symptoms persist; yearly if on treatment.
BeforePause biotin for a few days; take thyroid medicine after the test.
WhoPeople with tiredness, weight change, hair loss, cold intolerance or family thyroid disease.
Why TSH alone isn’t always enough
TSH is the brain’s signal asking the thyroid to work harder. It’s a good first screen - but free T4 and T3 show the hormone actually in your blood, and antibodies show whether autoimmunity is behind it.
TSH
“Is my thyroid being pushed?”
High TSH usually means an underactive thyroid; low means overactive.
First screen
Free T4 & T3
“How much hormone do I have?”
Confirms whether levels are truly low or high.
Confirms
TPO antibodies
“Why is it happening?”
Positive antibodies point to Hashimoto’s - and a higher chance of future problems.
Explains the cause
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- Your TSH is borderline or abnormal.
- You have persistent tiredness, weight change or hair loss.
- Thyroid disease runs in your family.
- You’re pregnant or planning to be.
A better option if…
- Your TSH is normal and you feel well - a full panel rarely adds much.
How it’s measured
TSH
The screening test.
Free T4 / free T3
Active hormone levels.
TPO / thyroglobulin antibodies
Autoimmune markers.
The full picture
What is it?
A group of thyroid blood tests beyond TSH.
What type of test is it?
A blood biomarker panel.
What does it measure?
TSH, free T4, free T3 and thyroid antibodies.
Why might someone consider it?
To confirm and explain thyroid problems.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with symptoms, abnormal TSH or family history.
How is it performed?
A blood draw.
How often might it be considered?
When needed; regularly during treatment.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether your thyroid is under- or overactive and why.
What are its limitations?
Biotin, illness and some medicines affect results.
What should it be viewed with?
Symptoms, ferritin, B12, cholesterol and heart rate.
Where to get it
Through your provider
The simplest route - often covered when there’s a clear reason.
Lab services
e.g. Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp.
Direct-to-consumer panels
e.g. Function Health, InsideTracker.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Should I have free T4 and antibodies checked?
- Could my symptoms be thyroid-related?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Full thyroid panel result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
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Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Full thyroid panel result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test