With everything that’s going on in the world right now visiting your local medical clinic to get your thyroid checked is probably not high on your priority list. Thankfully there is a solution…here’s what you need to know about online thyroid testing in Australia.
2020 Update: Thyroid Testing in Australia
i-screen, Australia offer direct access to a range of thyroid tests.
A doctor’s referral is NOT required. i-screen offer a wide range of testing services to help proactive Australians take control of their health.
Order your tests online. Simply set up an online account and order the tests you want. No need to sit in a doctor’s waiting room.
Visit a local designated pathology centre for a blood collection. These collection centres are listed on the i-screen website. During the COVID-19 crisis you should check the opening hours of your nearby centre.
Download results as a PDF document from your account dashboard. Results are interpreted by experienced medical professionals.
Make a time to discuss your results with your doctor or healthcare professional. This could be done face to face, or via telehealth services. Direct access testing complements, rather than replaces support from your medical professional.
These are the three main thyroid tests that i-screen offer.
Comprehensive Thyroid Check
This is the most comprehensive thyroid test i-screen offer. The comprehensive thyroid check tests thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), three thyroid antibodies, reverse T3 (RT3), and the FT3/RT3 ratio.
> > Find out more on the i-screen website.
Advanced Thyroid Check
This advanced test checks thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), two thyroid antibodies, and reverse T3 (RT3). This is still a great test panel and is suitable if you do not need to screen for a possible autoimmune hyperthyroid disorder.
> > Find out more on the i-screen website.
The Reverse T3 Check
This is a specific test for reverse T3, the inactive form of free T3. You may already know RT3 is often called the ‘hibernation hormone’ as too much of this thyroid hormone triggers a range of hypothyroid symptoms. This test can be added to the Advanced Thyroid Check.
> > Find out more on the i-screen website.
Getting The Help You Need
It’s all too common for doctors to blame thyroid problems on pregnancy, hormone changes associated with menopause, or simply the consequence of getting older. Sure these factors aggravate hypothyroidism BUT they are not the root cause so don’t get fobbed off.
It’s very important to discuss your concerns with a thyroid-literate doctor.
A thyroid-literate doctor will interpret your thyroid test results in the context of how you feel, your health history, and the symptoms you are experiencing.
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Resources
- i-screen Australia. Link
- NutriPATH Integrated Pathology. Link
- Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) Manual. Pathology Tests. Link
- Stop The Thyroid Madness. Recommended Labwork. Link
