FT4 (Thyroxine Free) Test in Kathmandu
Same Day turnaround at Peoples Diagnostics Laboratory & Clinic, Sanobharang. Walk in 7AM–8PM, or pre-book via WhatsApp.
About this test
Free thyroxine measures the small, unbound fraction of T4 hormone that circulates freely in the blood and is actually available to your tissues — unlike total T4, it is not skewed by changes in carrier proteins during pregnancy, oestrogen use, or liver disease, which makes it the more reliable marker of true thyroid activity. It is almost always read together with TSH: a high TSH with a low FT4 confirms an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), while a suppressed TSH with a high FT4 points to an overactive gland (hyperthyroidism). Your doctor may order FT4 if you describe unexplained tiredness, weight change, feeling cold or unusually hot, a slow or racing heartbeat, dry skin, hair thinning, constipation, anxiety, or irregular periods, or if a neck swelling (goitre) is found. It is central to monitoring patients already on thyroxine replacement and to tracking treatment for Graves' disease or thyroiditis, and it helps untangle the occasional case where TSH alone gives a confusing picture, such as pituitary disorders. In Nepal, thyroid disease is genuinely common — historically driven by dietary iodine deficiency in hill and mountain regions, now better controlled through iodised salt, with autoimmune thyroiditis an increasingly recognised cause in Kathmandu. FT4 is also checked in early pregnancy, since maternal thyroid hormone is vital for the baby's brain development. Results are interpreted alongside TSH and, when needed, FT3 and thyroid antibodies; a single value is best read in the context of your symptoms and any medication you take.
Sample type
Blood (serum)
Preparation
No fasting required. If you already take a thyroxine tablet (e.g. Eltroxin or Thyronorm), take it after the blood draw on the test day, not before, so the result reflects your true baseline.
Turnaround time
Reports for FT4 (Thyroxine Free) are typically ready within: Same Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.
Also known as
Other hormones tests we run
These are routinely ordered alongside FT4 (Thyroxine Free) or as part of the same diagnostic workup.
How to book
WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.
Not sure if this is the right test?
Send us a WhatsApp message describing your symptoms or your doctor's recommendation — we'll confirm which test fits best.