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Thyroid Function Tests: Procedure, Diagnostic Methods & Pricing 2023

Thyroid cancer ranks among the top 10 most common cancers. According to statistics from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority in 2018, there were 1,037 new cases of thyroid cancer. Therefore, both men and women should undergo regular thyroid function tests to detect any potential thyroid issues early on, which can greatly aid in treatment. So how can you detect if you have a thyroid problem? What are the thyroid function tests available on the market, and how much do they cost?

Author Bowtie Team

Date 2023-06-29

Updated on 2023-06-29

When should you undergo thyroid function tests?Who is at higher risk and should undergo thyroid function tests?How to do thyroid function tests at home?Thyroid function tests methods and check-up Items Thyroid function tests pricing FAQs about Thyroid Function Tests

When should you undergo thyroid function tests?

If you experience any of the following signs, you should consider getting a thyroid function test:

Enlarged thyroid gland
Increased sensitivity to heat and sweating
Increased appetite
Abnormal weight gain/loss
Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
Menstrual irregularities in women
Changes in personality or mood
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Tremors in fingers

Who is at higher risk and should undergo thyroid function tests?

Thyroid diseases are quite common, including conditions like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. Hyperthyroidism is more prevalent in women between the ages of 20 and 40. Therefore, individuals with the following factors should consider undergoing examinations:

Those who have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
Individuals working under prolonged high-stress conditions
Those with abnormal thyroid function
Individuals who have had thyroid nodules in the past
Those with a family history of thyroid disorders and are considered high-risk

How to do thyroid function tests at home?

You can start by performing a simple self-examination to check for any abnormalities in your thyroid:

Use your thumb and fingers to gently palpate the neck area to check for any swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Stand in front of a mirror, tilt your head back, and swallow forcefully. Observe if there are any unusual protrusions near the Adam’s apple that move up and down with the movement of the windpipe.
Use both hands to press and palpate the back of your neck from front to back or back to front. Check for symmetry and the presence of any hard lumps or tumors in the thyroid gland.

Based on these self-examination methods, you can determine the presence of any nodules, their size and shape, and whether there are any enlarged lymph nodes. The World Health Organization classifies thyroid enlargement into 4 levels:

Grade 0	Not visible or palpable enlargement
Grade 1	Grade 1A: Enlargement palpable but not visible
Grade 1	Grade 1B: Visible and palpable enlargement with neck widening
Grade 2	Visible thyroid enlargement within the normal range for the neck
Grade 3	Clearly visible thyroid enlargement from a distance

However, self-examination may not always be accurate. If you notice any abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland, it is important to carefully monitor changes in the lump and seek medical attention early for further evaluation and professional medical examination.

Thyroid function tests methods and check-up Items

There are 3 common methods for thyroid examination, suitable for different individuals:

Thyroid Blood Tests

Principle

A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient’s arm for preliminary examination.

Purpose

To detect thyroid hormone and antibody markers, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (FT4), triiodothyronine (T3), free triiodothyronine (FT3), anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb).

Suitable for

Individuals diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, or those with abnormal thyroid function.

Thyroid Ultrasound

Principle

Uses ultrasound imaging to examine the thyroid gland.

Purpose

To check for thyroid tumors, thyroid inflammation, neck masses, calcifications, and to assess the presence of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.

Suitable for

Individuals working under prolonged high-stress conditions or with abnormal thyroid function.

Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB)

Principle

Uses ultrasound for localization and a fine needle to extract cell samples from the nodule.

Purpose

To distinguish between benign and malignant tumors, determine the nature of the tumor, and provide further diagnosis and treatment options.

Suitable for

Individuals with thyroid nodules or those at high risk due to a family history of thyroid disorders.

Thyroid function tests pricing

Hospital／Clinic	Check-up Items	Pricing
Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital	Blood Test	From HK$ 450
Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital	Ultrasound	From HK$ 2,350
Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong	Blood Test	From HK$ 740
Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong	Ultrasound	From HK$ 1,320
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital	Blood Test	From HK$ 540
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital	Ultrasound	From HK$ 1,550
Matilda International Hospital	Ultrasound	From HK$ 2,530
Hong Kong Baptist Hospital	Blood Test	From HK$ 420
Hong Kong Baptist Hospital	Ultrasound	From HK$ 1,020
Canossa Hospital	Ultrasound	From HK$1,870
Saint Teresa’s Hospital	Blood Test	From HK$ 950
Evangel Hospital	Blood Test	From HK$ 825
Evangel Hospital	Ultrasound	From HK$ 1,000
Precious Blood Hospital	Blood Test	From HK$ 720
Precious Blood Hospital	Ultrasound	From HK$ 1,020
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan	Blood Test (T4)	From HK$ 368
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan	Ultrasound	From HK$ 2,200
The Hong Kong Thyroid Centre	Blood Test	From HK$ 750
	Ultrasound	From HK$ 1,320
	幼針穿刺活組織檢驗	From HK$ 3,960

RemarksThe above mentioned fees are for reference only (updated as of January 27, 2023). For detailed information, please consult the relevant hospitals or clinics.

FAQs about Thyroid Function Tests

Which specialist should I see for thyroid function tests?

Thyroid-related diseases fall under the field of endocrinology and metabolism. Therefore, you should consult an endocrinologist for thyroid examinations.

What are the normal thyroid hormone levels?

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone that regulates thyroid function. Generally, the TSH level is inversely related to the level of thyroxine (T4) secretion, helping to balance abnormal T4 thyroid hormone production.

The normal range for TSH is typically between 0.5 and 5.0 mU/L, while the normal range for T4 is between 0.8 and 1.8 ng/dL. In general screening, it is recommended to measure the TSH level first. If it is high, further testing of TSH and T4 levels can be done to determine the condition.

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Bowtie Team

The Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited is an authorized life insurance company and Hong Kong’s very first virtual insurer approved. Through the use of modern technology and medical expertise, Bowtie offers an agent-free, commission-free and more convenient online platform for customers to quote, apply and claim for Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) anytime anywhere. Bowtie is ranked first in the direct channel sales throughout 2021.

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The above content is provided by the Bowtie Team team. The information is for reference only and cannot replace any personal advice given by qualified medical professionals.