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Choose collection locationEndocrinology · Individual laboratory test
Tri-Iodothyronine, Total (T3)
Total T3 includes both bound and free triiodothyronine. Its interpretation depends partly on the proteins that carry thyroid hormones.
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 Tri-Iodothyronine (T3) test measure?
Also called Total Thyroid Hormone (T3)
Clinicians may select total T3 when investigating patterns of increased thyroid activity. It includes both hormone bound to proteins and hormone circulating freely.
When it may be requested
Clarifying a low TSH
Total T3 can help investigate excess thyroid activity when the clinical picture calls for it.
Reviewing a hormone change
A clinician may compare T3 with T4, TSH and previous results.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
Eat normally unless another test requires fasting. Tell the team about biotin, thyroid medicines, pregnancy or oestrogen treatment before a total T3 measurement.
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, Total (T3)
Reading your result
Changes in carrier proteins and illness can affect total T3. Use the interval for total T3 rather than interpreting it as a free T3 result.
What can affect it
- Total T3 includes protein-bound hormone and is influenced by changes in binding proteins.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testTri-Iodothyronine, Total (T3)
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Tri-Iodothyronine, Total (T3) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Confirm that the earlier measurement was also total T3 and discuss the result together with TSH and T4.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Why might total and free T3 not move in parallel?
Changes in carrier proteins can alter the total while the unbound fraction changes less. TSH, medicines and pregnancy status can help interpret the difference.
Do I need to fast before a total T3 test?
A total T3 test on its own usually needs no fast. Tell the team which thyroid medicines or supplements you take. Follow your prescriber’s timing instructions for your dose, especially if you take a medicine containing T3.
Can dieting or fasting lower my T3?
Yes. Severe calorie restriction, prolonged fasting and significant malnutrition reduce the conversion of T4 into T3, and the fall is a normal adaptation rather than thyroid disease. Eat normally in the days before the test so the result reflects your usual state, and tell your doctor if you have been on a very restrictive diet.
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Your next step
Total Tri-Iodothyronine (T3) 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.