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Choose collection locationEndocrinology · Individual laboratory test
Tri-Iodothyronine, Free (FT3)
Free T3 is the unbound portion of triiodothyronine. Clinicians may request it when investigating an overactive thyroid or an unusual thyroid test pattern.
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 Free Tri-Iodothyronine (FT3) test measure?
Also called Free Thyroid Hormone (FT3)
Free T3 may add information when an overactive thyroid is suspected despite a less clear free T4 result. It uses the unbound hormone fraction.
When it may be requested
Exploring excess thyroid activity
A clinician may request free T3 to clarify an overactive-thyroid pattern.
Comparing different hormones
Free T3, free T4 and TSH answer different questions and may change at different times.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
No fast is generally needed. Mention thyroid medicine, biotin, severe recent illness or a period of marked dietary restriction to the clinician.
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 guideTri-Iodothyronine, Free (FT3)
Reading your result
Serious illness can reduce T3 without a primary thyroid disorder. TSH and free T4 provide important context for a low reading.
What can affect it
- Free T3 alone has limited value when evaluating an underactive thyroid.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testTri-Iodothyronine, Free (FT3)
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Tri-Iodothyronine, Free (FT3) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Review the result with free T4 and TSH, particularly if you have been unwell or have recently changed thyroid treatment.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Does a normal free T3 rule out all thyroid problems?
No. Some thyroid disorders change TSH or free T4 before T3. It helps to review the tests together.
Can supplements interfere with free T3 testing?
High-dose biotin can interfere with some thyroid laboratory methods. Tell the team the dose and timing before sampling and ask what preparation applies to your assay.
Why might TSH also be requested?
TSH reflects the pituitary signal to the thyroid, while free T3 measures circulating unbound hormone. The combined pattern and free T4 can help clarify suspected overactivity.
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Your next step
Free Tri-Iodothyronine (FT3) 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.