Order Code LAB1399 T3 (Triiodothyronine), Total, Serum
Reporting Name
T3 (Triiodothyronine), Total, SUseful For
Second-order testing for hyperthyroidism in patients with low thyroid-stimulating hormone values and normal thyroxine levels
Diagnosing triiodothyronine (T3) toxicosis
This test is not useful for general screening of the population without clinical suspicion of hyperthyroidism.
Testing Algorithm
For information see Thyroid Function Ordering Algorithm.
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in RochesterSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.75 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
Frozen | 30 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Pediatric
0-5 days: 73-288 ng/dL
6 days-2 months: 80-275 ng/dL
3-11 months: 86-265 ng/dL
1-5 years: 92-248 ng/dL
6-10 years: 93-231 ng/dL
11-19 years: 91-218 ng/dL
Adult (≥20 years): 80-200 ng/dL
For SI unit Reference Values, see www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
CPT Code Information
84480
Method Description
The Roche triiodothyronine assay (T3) is a competitive assay using electrochemiluminescence detection. Bound T3 is released from binding proteins by 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid. The patient specimen is incubated with a sheep polyclonal anti-T3 antibody labeled with ruthenium. Streptavidin-coated microparticles and biotinylated T3 are added for a second incubation, during which the still free binding sites of the labeled antibody become occupied. The resulting immunocomplex becomes bound to the solid phase by interaction of biotin and streptavidin. The reaction mixture is aspirated into the measuring cell where the microparticles are magnetically captured onto the surface of the electrode. Unbound substances are removed, and application of a voltage to the electrode induces the electrochemiluminescent emission. This signal is measured against a calibration curve to determine patient results.(Package insert: Elecsys T3. Roche Diagnostics; 08/2019)
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay