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Medical information Clinical review pending

Endocrine Testing

T4 Free FT4 Test

The T4 Free FT4 Test measures the level of free thyroxine (T4) in your blood to help assess thyroid function and diagnose thyroid disorders.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Blood sample (serum).
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Results are often available within 1-2 business days.
Preparation
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Generally, no special preparation is required, but fasting may be requested. Follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor or the laboratory.
Test priceKSh 865

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the T4 Free FT4 Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of thyroid dysfunction (e.g., fatigue, weight changes, mood swings)
  • ✓Monitoring thyroid hormone replacement therapy
  • ✓Screening individuals with a family history of thyroid disease
  • ✓Evaluating thyroid nodules or goiter
  • ✓Assessing thyroid function before surgery or certain medications
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Assesses thyroid function, aids in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and monitors thyroid treatment effectiveness.
The T4 Free FT4 Test is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the levels of free thyroxine (T4) in the bloodstream. Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, which plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall bodily functions. This test is particularly important for individuals experiencing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, such as fatigue, weight changes, and mood fluctuations.

The T4 Free FT4 Test specifically measures the amount of free thyroxine available in the blood. Unlike total T4 tests, which measure both bound and unbound T4, this test focuses on the unbound fraction, providing a more accurate representation of thyroid hormone activity.

This test is recommended for individuals exhibiting symptoms of thyroid disorders, including fatigue or weakness, unexplained weight gain or loss, changes in heart rate, depression or anxiety, and hair loss or changes in skin texture. Additionally, individuals with a family history of thyroid disease or those undergoing treatment for thyroid conditions should consider this test for ongoing monitoring.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationConfirm with the laboratory before booking. Generally, no special preparation is required, but fasting may be requested. Follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor or the laboratory.
SampleBlood sample (serum).
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking. Typically performed using immunoassay methods.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results can be affected by certain medications, pregnancy, and other medical conditions. Interpretation requires clinical correlation.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Free T4 is the portion of thyroxine (a thyroid hormone) that is not bound to proteins in the blood. It is the biologically active form of the hormone.
The free T4 test measures only the active hormone, providing a more accurate picture of thyroid function compared to the total T4 test, which includes both active and inactive hormone.
Abnormal results may indicate a thyroid disorder like hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Your doctor will interpret the results based on your symptoms and medical history.
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Fasting may or may not be required.
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Turnaround time can vary.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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