Back to Test Catalogue

Reverse T3 LC-MS/MS, Serum/Plasma

Test ID: RT3Q S

Test

Aliases/Synonyms

T3 (Triiodothyronine) Reverse; T3 Reverse

Method

LC-MS/MS

Report Includes

T3 Reverse

Specimens

Serum; Plasma (Na heparin); Plasma (EDTA)

Clinical Utility

3,3′,5′-Triiodothyronine (reverse T3, rT3) is, along with 3,3,5′-Triiodothyronine (T3) a deiodinated metabolite of thyroxine (T4), the major secretory product of the thyroid gland and is secreted into the bloodstream. Unlike T3, however, rT3 is thought to be metabolically inert.
The process of 5′-monodeiodination that converts T4 to T3, and rT3 to diiodothyronine (DTT) is inhibited in a wide variety of conditions, collectively referred to as nonthyroidal illnesses (NTI) or the ‘euthyroid sick’ state. These conditions include fasting, malnutrition, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, trauma, surgery, and systemic illness. Consequently, in patients with NTI the serum T3 level typically decreases, and the rT3 often, but not always, increases.

Test Location

Quest Diagnostics, California USA

Test Version

15-Mar-2024

Specimen

Specimens

Serum; Plasma (Na heparin); Plasma (EDTA)

Sample Volume

0.5 mL

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Comment

Gel-separator tubes are acceptable.

Collection & Handling

Handling Information

Store and send frozen.

Stability

Ambient 7 days
Refrigerated 7 days
Frozen 30 days

Rejection Criteria

Specimen Not separated from gel within 24 hours

Test Version

15-Mar-2024

Performance / Interpretation

Method

LC-MS/MS

Turnaround Time

9 days

Results

Name Units Reference Range Conversion Factor
T3 Reverse ng/dL
  • 45163

Test Location

Quest Diagnostics, California USA

Test Version

15-Mar-2024

Interface / Setup

HL7 Interface Codes

Order Code Result Codes Units
RT3Q S 63148T3 REVERSE,LC/MS/MS ng/dL

Test Version

15-Mar-2024