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HelpCatalog ID T3 T3, Total
CPOE Test Name
T3 Total
Synonyms
Triiodothyronine; T3
Specimen Type
Serum
Specimen Requirements
5 mL gold top SST tube 2 mL blood minimum
Storage and Transport
Specimens should be stored at 2-8C for up to 24 hours. Specimens in which testing will be delayed for more than 24 hours should be frozen.
Reference Values
0.60 – 1.81 ng/mL
Interpretation
Elevated T3 levels are associated with hyperthyroidism or T3 thyrotoxicosis, but may also occur in euthyroid patients with elevated TBG levels. Elevated T3 levels with normal T4 levels are characteristic of T3 thyrotoxicosis.
Decreased T3 levels are associated with hypothyroidism, non thyroidal illness (sick thyroid syndrome), malnutrition, renal failure, trauma, and drug therapy with the antithyroid drugs propranolol and propylthiouracil and salicylates. Additionally, low T3 levels may be found in conditions where TBG and/or other proteins are decreased.
Causes for Rejection
Lack of appropriate labeling; insufficient quantity; wrong specimen type
Turn Around Time
12 hours from time of testing
CPT / HCPCS Code
84480
Performing Lab
Core Laboratory AD 3301 721-2120
Test Consists
The quantitative determination of total circulating Triiodothyronine (T3) in serum.