Written by

Jennifer Carlson

May 28, 2025

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Average thyroid test price

A thyroid gland test costs $0 to $50 with insurance or $50 to $200 without insurance. A thyroid test measures the function of the thyroid gland and is a diagnostic tool for conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormone test costs vary based on insurance coverage, test type, and location.

What are the 5 thyroid tests?

The 5 thyroid tests commonly used to assess thyroid function and diagnose thyroid disorders are:

• TSH test: This test measures the level of TSH in your blood and is usually the first and most important test for evaluating thyroid function.

• Free T4 test: This test measures the amount of free thyroxine, the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland, which helps regulate metabolism.

• Free T3 test: This test measures the amount of free triiodothyronine, another key thyroid hormone, and is useful for diagnosing hyperthyroidism or assessing its severity.

• Thyroid antibody panel: These tests detect antibodies such as thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), which help diagnose autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease.

• Comprehensive panel: This encompasses all of the previously mentioned tests: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and antibodies. It's the most expensive test but the most thorough.

What is TSH in a blood test?

TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone, is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland that tells your thyroid to make and release its hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate your body's metabolism, energy use, heart rate, and other vital functions.

A TSH blood test measures the amount of TSH in your blood to help determine how well your thyroid is working. High TSH levels usually indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), while low TSH levels suggest an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Healthcare providers use this test to diagnose and monitor thyroid disorders.

Cost of thyroid test by type

Thyroid testing includes several options, each measuring different hormones or antibodies. Basic tests like TSH cost less than comprehensive panels or antibody tests, which require more analysis. The table below outlines common thyroid tests and their purposes.

Thyroid & TSH test cost factors

Several factors can affect the cost of a TSH test or other thyroid tests:

• Facility type: Hospital labs charge more than independent labs or clinics. Stand-alone labs often offer flat, lower rates.

• Location: Prices vary by city and state, with urban areas and hospital-based testing generally costing more.

• Provider fees: Office visits, specimen collection, and administrative fees can add to the total cost, especially without insurance.

• Test results: Depending on your results, your doctor may decide to run more tests or prescribe you thyroid medication. This may increase your costs. More

  blood work costs $25 to $125 per test on average without insurance.

• Imaging: Your doctor may order imaging tests like a thyroid ultrasound, thyroid scan, or radioactive iodine uptake test. These are more helpful in evaluating the structure, size, and function of the thyroid gland, as well as detecting nodules or other abnormalities.

• Cash price: Some clinics, hospitals, or labs give discounts if you pay up front instead of using insurance.

Symptoms of thyroid conditions

If you have any of the following symptoms, you may want to ask your doctor if a thyroid test could help identify the problem:

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Cold intolerance

• Dry skin and hair

• Puffy face

• Slow heart rate

• Muscle weakness

• Constipation

• Irregular periods (if applicable)

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) symptoms:

• Weight loss

• Heat intolerance

• Increased sweating

• Rapid heart rate

• Anxiety and nervousness

• Tremors

• Thinning hair

• Diarrhea

• Increased appetite

• Difficulty sleeping

• Muscle weakness

• Bulging eyes (Graves' ophthalmopathy)

Interpreting the results

Thyroid test results help diagnose and monitor thyroid conditions. The table below summarizes typical reference ranges and what abnormal results may indicate.

Doctors interpret results in context, considering symptoms and the relationship between values. High TSH with low T4 often signals hypothyroidism, while low TSH with high T4 points to hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease.

Always discuss your results and next steps with your healthcare provider. Understanding thyroid test costs and results helps you make informed decisions about your health and finances.

When to repeat thyroid function tests

Patients should repeat thyroid function tests based on their clinical situation and treatment status:

• After starting or adjusting thyroid medication: Repeat TSH (and sometimes Free T4) every 4 to 8 weeks until levels stabilize and reach the target range.

• Stable on thyroid medication: Once your TSH is stable, check it every 6 to 12 months, or annually, unless symptoms change or you have a new clinical indication.

• After abnormal or borderline results: If an initial test is abnormal or borderline, repeat testing in 3 to 6 months to confirm or rule out thyroid dysfunction.

• After treatment for hyperthyroidism: Repeat TSH and Free T4 every 8 weeks during the first year, then annually if stable.

• After a change in clinical status or medication: Repeat testing 6 weeks after any change in thyroid hormone dose or if new symptoms develop.

• Special populations: Pregnant individuals, those with pituitary disease, or people taking medications that affect thyroid function may require more frequent monitoring, such as every 4 weeks during pregnancy or every 3 to 6 months for those on amiodarone or lithium.

Thyroid test FAQs

Who should get a thyroid test?

You should get a thyroid test if you experience symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, irregular heartbeat, or neck swelling. Testing is also important for those with high cholesterol, fertility issues, or a family history of thyroid or autoimmune diseases.

People with diagnosed thyroid conditions, those on medications affecting the thyroid, pregnant women, and individuals with certain autoimmune disorders should have regular thyroid tests. Some guidelines recommend screening adults starting at age 35 and repeating every five years or sooner if symptoms arise.

Do you need to fast for a TSH blood test?

You do not need to fast for a TSH blood test, as eating does not significantly affect TSH results for most people. However, some studies suggest TSH levels may be slightly lower after eating, which could impact borderline cases or special situations like pregnancy or subclinical hypothyroidism.

For the most consistent and accurate results, especially if you are monitoring a thyroid condition, consider having your TSH test done in the morning and under similar conditions each time. Always follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider.

What is a thyroid blood test for?

A thyroid blood test checks how well your thyroid gland is working by measuring hormones related to thyroid function. Doctors use this test to diagnose thyroid disorders, monitor treatment, and detect problems before symptoms appear. The test helps guide decisions about managing symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or heart rate issues.

How do you test for underactive thyroid?

To test for an underactive thyroid, your healthcare provider will start by measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). A high TSH level suggests your thyroid isn't producing enough hormone. If TSH is high, your doctor will usually order a follow-up test for Free T4. Low Free T4 and high TSH confirms hypothyroidism.

Doctors may also check for thyroid antibodies to see if an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto's thyroiditis is causing your hypothyroidism. They may use additional tests like T3 or thyroid imaging, but these are less common. Blood tests are the most accurate and standard way to diagnose an underactive thyroid.

What can affect thyroid test results?

Many factors can affect thyroid test results, potentially leading to inaccurate readings or misinterpretation. These include:

• Medications: Drugs such as antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering medications, corticosteroids, and even thyroid hormone replacements can alter thyroid hormone levels and interfere with test accuracy.

• Timing of the test: Testing at different times can yield varying results. Thyroid hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day, typically peaking in the morning and dropping in the evening.

• Lab variability: Different laboratories and assay methods may produce slightly different results, so consistency in testing location is important.

• Diet and supplements: High intake of iodine, biotin supplements, or certain foods can impact thyroid hormone measurements, sometimes causing falsely high or low results.

• Fasting: While fasting is not usually required, recent meals or supplements (especially those with biotin or iodine) can affect test outcomes.

• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause can influence thyroid hormone production and metabolism, affecting test results.

• Health conditions: Acute or chronic illnesses, liver or kidney disease, pituitary disorders, and autoimmune diseases can all interfere with thyroid function and test interpretation.

• Lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI), and environmental exposures (like pollutants or heavy metals) may also influence thyroid hormone levels.

• Demographics: Age, sex, race, and geographic region can affect reference ranges and thyroid hormone levels, making population-specific interpretation important.

Can I take thyroid medicine the night before a thyroid test?

You can take thyroid medicine the night before a test, but for the most accurate results, avoid taking it the morning of your blood draw. Levothyroxine's long half-life means nighttime dosing usually won't affect TSH, but taking medication right before testing can temporarily raise free T4 levels.

If you take medications with T3, timing matters more because T3 peaks a few hours after dosing and can skew results. To ensure consistency, have your blood drawn before your morning dose and take medication afterward. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions for testing and medication timing.

Questions to ask your doctor

Ask your doctor these questions about thyroid disease, testing, and symptoms:

• Do I need to fast or avoid any foods or drinks before my thyroid blood test?

• Are there any supplements that I should stop taking before the test?

• Will recent illnesses or infections affect my test results, and should I reschedule if I am unwell?

• Should I avoid strenuous exercise or caffeine before my test?

• Do I need to tell you if I am pregnant or planning pregnancy?

• What other issues could be causing my symptoms?

• Do you recommend any other diagnostic tests?

• Will any recent imaging tests or procedures with contrast dye or iodine impact my results?

• Which thyroid tests are you ordering, and what will they measure?

• Should I take my thyroid medication or other regular medicines before the test or wait until after the blood draw?

• How will you interpret the results, and when can I expect them?