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The thyroid function test price in Kenya ranges from KES 2,500 to KES 10,000.
In Kenya, the thyroid tests comprise mostly of Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3), and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). However, there are other tests in this panel such as Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO), Thyroglobulin (TG), Thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb), and Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI).
The thyroid tests check how well the thyroid works in producing Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) hormones. The TSH hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland is also tested in this panel as it controls the thyroid gland in the production of T3 and T4.
Thyroid function test price in Kenya across various hospitals/ laboratories
The antibody Thyroid function test price in Kenya average’s at KES 10,000 while thyroid function tests range between KES 2,500 to KES 7,500 depending on each laboratory. Below are some laboratories and their prices.
- Cerba Lancet laboratories in Nairobi charges KES 4,849 for the thyroid function test.
- Diabetes Management Medical Center (DMMC) located in Ngara, Nairobi offers the thyroid function test for KES 3,000.
- At Metropolis Africa laboratories the test goes for KES 4,430. They are located in Upperhill, Nairobi, and have branches in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Ghana.
- Labtestzote laboratory charges KES 3,500. They have an online system for requesting the test with a choice for home collection or a facility visit.
- TIBU Health Africa charges KES 5,950 for the thyroid test. They are located in Mytown Mall, Karen, 1st floor, Nairobi.
- In Mombasa, Island Medical Laboratory charges KES 3,200 for the thyroid function test. Also, Awake Treatment Center charges KES 2,500, and Bayleaf Hospital charges KES 3,000.
- The thyroid ultrasound scan is available at Haven Healthcare in Ruai for KES 3,039.
Why take the Thyroid Function test?
The thyroid test is used to diagnose conditions such as;
- Hyperthyroidism which is a condition in which the T3 and T4 hormones are produced in elevated quantities due to low production of the TSH hormone.
- Hypothyroidism which occurs when the thyroid hormones are produced in very low amounts. And means that the TSH is produced in high amounts.
- Thyroid cancer
- Hashimoto’s disease
- The Grave’s disease
- Thyroiditis which is inflammation of the thyroid
Apart from the hormonal blood tests of the thyroid, other tests can be done on the thyroid such as:
- Antibody tests on the thyroid can help identify autoimmune infections like Hashimoto’s disease which causes hypothyroidism and Grave’s disease which is the main cause for hypothyroidism.
- Thyroid scan checks for thyroid nodules by focusing on the size, shape, and position of the thyroid and helps in identifying the cause of hyperthyroidism.
- Radioactive iodine uptake test identifies the cause of hyperthyroidism
- Biopsy is a follow-up test done when during the thyroid scan, thyroid nodules are identified.
How to Interpret thyroid function test results
T4- high levels of T4 indicate hyperthyroidism and could be caused by conditions such as pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives. To conclusively diagnose hyperthyroidism check T3 results.
Low levels of T4 indicate hypothyroidism which is sometimes caused by severe illness, using corticosteroids, especially in the treatment of asthma and arthritis.
T3 should be done to confirm hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in T4. Elevated and low levels in both T4 and T3 will indicate hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism respectively.
Conclusion
The thyroid test checks for the production of T3 and T4 hormones as well as the functionality of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The tests diagnose different conditions such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Apart from blood tests, there are other tests for the thyroid such as ultrasound scans and nuclear medicine. The Thyroid Function test price in Kenya ranges from KES 2,500 to KES 10,000. Also, in the interpretation of the thyroid function tests, T4 results should be compared with those of T3 to confirm hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
