T3 Reverse, LC/MS/MS

Description: A RT3 test is a laboratory test that checks for Reverse T3 levels in your blood’s serum.

Also Known As: T3 Reverse test, REVT3 Test, RT3 Test, T3R Test, Reverse T3 Test, Reverse Triiodothyronine Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is this test ordered?

Reverse T3 is used to identify stress on the body due to many factors including extreme dieting, surgery, liver and kidney disease, insulin dependent diabetes, serious injury, and chronic alcohol consumption.

What is being tested?

Reverse T3 is a derivative of Thyroxine T4. T4 becomes the active thyroid hormone Triiodothyronine T3 when it loses one of its iodine atoms. T4 is also converted by the body into Reverse T3, which is an inactive version of T3 that lacks T3's metabolic function. Reverse T3 is thought to be produced by the body to conserve energy during times of severe illness and stress.

Related Tests and Panels:

• T3 Free

• T3 Total

• T4 Free

• T4 Total

• TSH

• T3 Uptake

• Thyroid Peroxidase

• Thyroglobulin Antibodies

Related Conditions:

• Hyperthyroidism

• Hypothyroidism

• Hashimotos

• Graves’ Disease

• Autoimmune Diseases

• Thyroid Cancer

• Kidney Disease

• Liver Disease

• Alcoholism

• Stress

• Diabetes

How is the Reverse T3 test used by my healthcare provider?

Results of a Reverse T3 test are used in combination with results of T4 tests, T3 Tests, thyroid antibodies, and TSH in assessing a patient’s symptoms and thyroid function.

What does my Reverse T3 test result mean?

High levels of T3 Reverse indicate that an excessive amount of T4 is being converted into Reverse T3 instead of active T3. This can cause signs of hypothyroidism, a thyroid condition often referred to as underactive thyroid, even when other thyroid hormones are within normal ranges. Elevated levels of RT3 levels can also be a sign of illness and stress and as the body converts more T4 into Reverse T3 when experiencing illnesses and stress.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results