Blood Drug Testing

In a normal blood test, do they test you for your thyroid?

I had a blood test done like a year and a half ago, it's was like two pages long, and I'm wondering whether they checked my thyroid, because I think my thyroid is overractive (signs point to it). Do they typically check your thyroid in a blood test?

Public Comments

1. If it was a routine blood test, most doctors will screen for thyroid issues with a TSH level. A high TSH equals an underactive thyroid and viceversa. The USPSTF (the US panel that decides which tests are worth ordering on healthy people) does not recommend screening asymptomatic people for thyroid issues, so your doc might not have ordered one. Don't worry, they are cheap tests and your doc should order one if you want one done and have symptoms. That said, don't walk into their office demanding anything, let them evaluate you and see if they might suspect another cause for all this. Coming in with a presued idea of the cause will only bias your doc and can lead to wrong diagnoses.
2. There are literally thousands of tests that can be done when your doctor has your blood drawn. He/she usually picks only 2 or 3 tests that depend on your symptoms and history at the time you see him. Sometimes they ask for a "panel" which can include 10 to 20 different tests but again--it usually depends on what the doctor feels are the most likely tests that will help diagnose/treat your particular problem. Any test done 18 months ago are not very valuable now. If you are having signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism (sweating,temperature discomfort, anxiety, tremor, weight loss) you need to see your doctor and have them check you out.