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What to expect
Here you'll find essential instructions to prepare for your medical or lab appointment. By following these steps, you help us ensure a relaxed, efficient, and timely visit, allowing us to focus on delivering the best care possible for you.
Step By Step:
How to get your Labs done and Appointment Preparation
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Appointment Preparation Guide PDF Download
Step 1
Have your labs drawn AT LEAST 2 weeks prior to your appointment. Certain tests can take longer than others, so we need plenty of time to ensure that we have all of your results before your appointment.
Step 2
On the day you get labs done, take your thyroid medication in the morning as usual and then get your blood drawn according to your medication type below:
• Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid, NP Thyroid, WP Thyroid, Westroid, compounded sustained release meds: 3-4 hours later.
• Cytomel / Liothyronine (not compounded): 2-3 hours later.
• Synthroid / Levothyroxine / Tirosint: This is very flexible; you can get blood drawn anytime of day after taking meds.
Step 3
The day before your appointment, watch THIS VIDEO that explains how your thyroid works. It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! This will help you understand some of the information we will discuss. Even if this is your 2nd or 3rd lab appointment, it’s still a good idea to review it.
Step 4
If you are getting female hormones tested and still have a menstrual cycle, you’ll need to get your labs done on day 21 of your cycle. Day 1 is the first day of your period. If your day 21 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, please get your labs done on day 20 or day 22 but anything after that will need to wait until your next cycle and your next day 21. If you do not have a menstrual cycle, then you don’t have to go on day 21, any day will be OK for you.
Step 5
A copy of your lab results will be posted in your patient portal. Look over and compare your results to our preferred ranges below. Please bring a copy with you to your appointment or have one on hand if you are scheduled for a virtual or phone visit.
TSH: always less than 2; ideally closer to 1 and sometimes even less than 1.
Free T4: 0.9 – 1.2
Free T3: 3.6 - 4.2
Reverse T3: Ideally less than 12 - 15, but varies depending on the Free T3 value
TPO Antibodies: Less than 34
Thyroglobulin Antibodies: Ideally less than 1 - 4
Step 6
Look over the graphs below and keep them handy during your visit so you can see how your thyroid and medication work.
Step 7
Prepare your questions for our appointment! This will allow you and your provider to make the most of your time together and have the most impact on your health!
Above all remember:
There’s no reason to still have thyroid symptoms.
-McCall McPherson PA-C
