Arrange your collection
Choose your location, add the test to your care bag and select a time. If you are booking for someone else, assign the test to them in checkout.
Choose collection locationEndocrinology · Individual laboratory test
Thyroxine, Total (T4)
Total T4 includes free thyroxine and the much larger portion attached to carrier proteins. It measures a different quantity from free T4.
Price for this test on its ownAED 135Test price AED 35
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Total Thyroxine (T4) test measure?
Also called Total Thyroid Hormone (T4)
This measurement is useful when the referral specifically requests total circulating thyroxine or comparison with an earlier total T4 result.
When it may be requested
Examining a hormone pattern
Total T4 is useful when interpreted with the patient's TSH and reason for testing.
Reviewing binding effects
Pregnancy and changes in hormone-binding proteins may explain unexpected total T4 values.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
Fasting is usually unnecessary. Ask how to time thyroid medicine, report biotin and mention pregnancy, contraception or oestrogen treatment, which can affect binding proteins.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideThyroxine, Total (T4)
Reading your result
A shift in total T4 can reflect a change in carrier proteins. TSH and, when appropriate, free T4 help separate that from a change in thyroid output.
What can affect it
- The total T4 measurement cannot distinguish the bound and free fractions.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testThyroxine, Total (T4)
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Thyroxine, Total (T4) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Bring your TSH and any previous total T4 measurement. Ask whether changes in binding proteins could account for a difference.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Could a change in carrier proteins affect total T4?
Yes. A change in protein binding can alter total T4 without the same change in free T4. TSH and the clinical setting help distinguish the possibilities.
Is total T4 ever the better test?
Occasionally. Certain antibodies and unusual binding proteins interfere with free hormone assays, and in those situations the total measurement, interpreted carefully, is the more trustworthy one.
Do I need to fast before a total T4 test?
Total T4 on its own usually needs no fast. If you take levothyroxine, ask your prescriber how to time your usual dose for this blood draw and record when you took it. This helps when comparing the result with an earlier one.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore health packages.
Open a package to see exactly which tests it includes.
Thyroid Function
TSH, FT4 and FT3 from one blood sample, to check for an underactive or overactive thyroid.
- biomarkers
- 3
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 199
Explore package
Basic Health Checkup
Blood count, liver, kidney, cholesterol, blood sugar and urine tests: the essentials in one visit.
- biomarkers
- 63
- Samples
- Blood + Urine
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 199
Explore package
Basic Wellness
A complete blood count with liver enzymes, cholesterol, kidney markers and fasting blood sugar from one blood sample.
- biomarkers
- 31
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 129
Explore package
Advanced Health Checkup
A broad whole-body screen covering blood, urine and stool with kidney, liver, lipid, iron, diabetes and vitamin markers.
- biomarkers
- 72
- Samples
- Blood + Urine + Stool
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 299
Explore packageChoosing for a particular need?
We can help you read the options.
Your next step
Total Thyroxine (T4) test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.