Test Code T4 T4 (Thyroxine), Total Only, Serum
Additional Codes
LIS Code |
T4 |
Epic Code |
LAB2486 |
Mayo Code |
T4 |
Reporting Name
T4 (Thyroxine), Total Only, SUseful For
Monitoring treatment with synthetic hormones (synthetic T3 [triiodothyronine] will cause a low total T4 [thyroxine])
Monitoring treatment of hyperthyroidism with thiouracil and other anti-thyroid drugs
Index of thyroid function when the thyroxine-binding globulin is normal and non-thyroidal illness is not present
Testing Algorithm
For information see Thyroid Function Ordering Algorithm.
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
This test cannot be used in patients receiving treatment with lipid-lowering agents containing dextrothyroxine unless therapy is discontinued for 4 to 6 weeks to allow the physiological state to become reestablished prior to testing.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 4 to 6 weeks before specimen collection, patient should not be taking lipid-lowering medications containing dextrothyroxine.
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
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
0.75 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: 5.0-18.5 mcg/dL
6 days-2 months: 5.4-17.0 mcg/dL
3-11 months: 5.7-16.0 mcg/dL
1-5 years: 6.0-14.7 mcg/dL
6-10 years: 6.0-13.8 mcg/dL
11-19 years: 5.9-13.2 mcg/dL
Adult (≥20 years): 4.5-11.7 mcg/dL
For International System of Units (SI) conversion for Reference Values, see  www.mayocliniclabs.com/order-tests/si-unit-conversion.html
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
84436
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
T4 | T4 (Thyroxine), Total Only, S | 83119-8 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
T4 | T4 (Thyroxine), Total Only, S | 83119-8 |
Report Available
1 to 3 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen.