Lab Section: Endocrinology
Description: Canine only
Min Sample Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Container: plastic or glass tube
Coolant: Refrigerate
Test Target: Analyte
Test Days: M, T, W, Th, F
Test Turnaround (business days): 2-4 days
| Species | Sex | Test | Reference Value |
|
Canine
|
|
Free T4 Immulite
|
0.7 - 2.5 ng/dL
|
FREE T4 BASELINE (IMMULITE) TEST
The concentration of free T4 Immulite (FT4I) is within the reference range for normal healthy dogs. The concentration of FT4I is low or undetectable in hypothyroid dogs. Dogs on anti-inflammatories, antibiotics or with chronic illness (Cushing’s disease, diabetes, etc.) may have falsely decreased total T4. In these cases, if the dog is not truly hypothyroid, the FT4I should be within the normal range. Clinically hypothyroid dogs with unexpectedly high total T4 concentrations may have autoantibodies against thyroid hormones. The FT4I concentration may be elevated in some dogs with thyroglobulin autoantibodies, so dogs with positive thyroglobulin autoantibody tests should be monitored using free T4 by dialysis. For further interpretation please see the interpretation on our webpage at: https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/Sects/Endo/caninetestinfo.cfm or https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/Sects/Endo/equinetestinfo.cfm or https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/Sects/Endo/felinetestinfo.cfm
