Thyroid Blood Tests Beyond TSH Alone
Full thyroid panel: TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and antibodies. Detects hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's and Graves' disease. TSH alone misses up to 30% of thyroid problems. No doctor's referral. No fasting required.
Who Is This Page For?
Unexplained fatigue
Tired even after sleeping well
Weight changes
Gaining or losing without trying
Temperature sensitivity
Always cold or heat intolerant
Hair and skin changes
Thinning hair, dry skin, brittle nails
Heart rate changes
Unusually fast or slow pulse
Mood changes
Anxiety, depression, brain fog
Many doctors only test TSH. TSH alone misses up to 30% of thyroid problems, especially autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's where antibodies can be elevated for years before TSH changes. Epicentre's thyroid panel includes TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies as standard.
What We Test For
Hypothyroidism
Underactive thyroid
- Fatigue and sluggishness
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold
- Dry skin, thinning hair
- Depression, brain fog
- Slow heart rate
Hyperthyroidism
Overactive thyroid
- Anxiety, irritability
- Unexplained weight loss
- Heat intolerance, sweating
- Trembling hands
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty sleeping
Hashimoto's and Graves'
Autoimmune thyroid
- Immune system attacks thyroid
- Detected by antibodies (TPO, TG)
- Often missed by TSH-only testing
- Family history increases risk
- More common in women
- Early detection = better outcomes
What Does a Full Thyroid Panel Include?
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): the brain's signal to the thyroid. High TSH suggests underactive thyroid. Low TSH suggests overactive. This is the screening marker most doctors use, but it is not enough alone.
Free T4 (Thyroxine): the main hormone the thyroid produces. It must be converted to T3 to be used by cells. Shows thyroid output.
Free T3 (Triiodothyronine): the active form of thyroid hormone. What your cells actually use for energy. Often low even with normal TSH. Factors affecting conversion include stress, iron deficiency, inflammation and gut health.
Thyroid antibodies (TPO-Ab and TG-Ab): detect autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's, Graves') before TSH changes. Critical for a complete picture.
Thyroid Testing Packages
Thyroid Focused
Complete Thyroid Panel
Thyroid + Related Systems
Thyroid function does not exist in isolation. Iron, vitamin D, cortisol, inflammation and blood sugar all affect how well your thyroid works. These panels test thyroid alongside the factors that influence it.
ODx Vital Package
Anti-Ageing Health Package
ODx Max Package
Which package? If thyroid is your only concern, the Complete Thyroid Panel (R1,566) covers everything including antibodies. If you also have fatigue, weight issues or mood changes, the Anti-Ageing Health Package tests thyroid alongside the metabolic and nutritional factors that affect thyroid conversion. Or WhatsApp us with your symptoms.
Already on thyroid medication? Test in the morning before taking your dose for the most accurate baseline. Otherwise, any time of day is fine. No fasting required for the thyroid panel itself.
All packages: Payflex available (4 interest-free instalments). 10% student discount. 10% pensioner discount. All prices include VAT. ODx functional health report included free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a full thyroid panel?
Do I need to fast?
Why test antibodies if my TSH is normal?
What is the difference between T4 and T3?
Can thyroid problems cause weight gain?
What if my results are abnormal?
Do Not Settle for TSH Alone.
A full thyroid panel catches what basic screening misses. No doctor's referral. No fasting.
Walk-in labs: Observatory (Cape Town), Hillcrest (Durban), Parktown North (Johannesburg). Mon – Fri, 08:30 – 16:00. Practice #1117394.
Epicentre Walk-In Labs does not provide medical diagnoses. For diagnoses and advice, consult your healthcare practitioner.