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Test Code FRT4 T4 (Thyroxine), Free, Serum

Testing Algorithm

For more information see: Thyroid Function Ordering Algorithm

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.

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 a plastic vial.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  30 days
  Ambient  72 hours

Reference Values

Pediatric

0-5 days: 0.9-2.5 ng/dL

6 days-2 months: 0.9-2.2 ng/dL

3-11 months: 0.9-2.0 ng/dL

1-5 years: 1.0-1.8 ng/dL

6-10 years: 1.0-1.7 ng/dL

11-19 years: 1.0-1.6 ng/dL

 

Adult (≥20 years): 0.9-1.7 ng/dL

 

For SI unit Reference Values, see www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

CPT Code Information

84439

Clinical Information

Free thyroxine (FT4) comprises a small fraction of total thyroxine. FT4 is available to the tissues and is, therefore, the metabolically active fraction.

 

Elevations in FT4 cause hyperthyroidism, while decreases cause hypothyroidism.

Report Available

Same day/1 to 2 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Method Name

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen.