Order Code: 866
ABN Requirement: No
Synonyms: Free T4; Unbound T4; FT4
Specimen: Serum
Volume: 1 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.3 mL
Container: Gel-barrier tube (SST, Tiger Top)
Collection:
- Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
- Gently invert tube 5 times immediately after draw. DO NOT SHAKE.
- Allow blood to clot 30 minutes.
- Centrifuge for 10 minutes.
Special Instructions: Samples should not be taken from patients receiving therapy with high biotin doses (>5 mg/day) until at least 8 hours following the last dose.
Transport: Store serum at 2°C to 8°C after collection and ship the same day per packaging instructions provided with the Cleveland HeartLab shipping box.
Stability:
Ambient (15-25°C): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C): 28 days
Causes of Rejection: Samples which are heat-inactivated; samples stabilized with azide; specimens other than serum; improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits.
Methodology: Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Turn Around Time: 1 to 3 days
Reference Range:
| Age | ng/dL |
| <1 Month | Not established |
| 1-23 Months | 0.9-1.4 ng/dL |
| 2-12 Years | 0.9-1.4 ng/dL |
| 13-20 Years | 0.8-1.4 ng/dL |
| >20 Years | 0.8-1.8 ng/dL |
Clinical Significance: T4 Free (FT4) – The T4 Free (FT4) test measures serum thyroxine (T4) that is not bound to thyroid hormone-binding proteins (thyroid hormone-binding globulin [TBG], transthyretin, albumin) and is thus readily available to target cells. This test is used with thyroid-stimulating hormone measurement (TSH, test code 899) in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism (usually displaying elevated FT4) and hypothyroidism (low FT4), including congenital and acquired hypothyroidism.
The FT4 test is used to assess thyroid function, monitor thyroid conditions, and assess treatment effectiveness. It has largely replaced the total T4 test (test code 867), which measures both bound and free T4, because the FT4 test is less affected by levels of thyroid hormone-binding proteins.
This test uses a T4 analog, rather than equilibrium dialysis, to determine the amount of free T4. It therefore differs from the T4 Free, Direct Dialysis test (test code 35167). In the general population, the analog FT4 test is most useful as a follow-up test when TSH results are abnormal. It may also be used instead of TSH testing to assess thyroid function in patients with (1) known pituitary abnormalities; (2) chronically suppressed TSH, as often seen in patients for months after successful treatment for Graves disease [1]; or (3) a need to assess thyroid hormone dose changes sooner than the 6-8 weeks required for TSH to reach a new stable level. When the levels of thyroid hormone-binding proteins are very abnormal (eg, congenital TBG deficiency or excess; preterm infants [2]) or the affinity of binding proteins is altered [3] (eg, familial dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia), the T4 Free, Direct Dialysis test will provide more accurate results.
References
1. Ross DS. N Engl J Med 2011;364:542-550.
2. Deming DD et al. J Pediatr. 2007;151:404-408.
3. Refetoff S. Abnormal Thyroid Hormone Transport. [Updated 2015 Jul 15]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al, editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.