Order a Graves test and check thyroid antibodies
TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and TSH Receptor Antibodies to help assess Graves' disease.
Add to Cart
No referral needed
Added to your cart
Click the button to view your cart
Biomarkers Included
4 biomarkersTSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), TSH Receptor Antibodies, Free T4 (Thyroxine), Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)
Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition in which your thyroid can produce too many hormones. Symptoms like a racing heart, weight loss or restlessness can sometimes come with it.
This Graves' test combines TSH, free T4, free T3 and thyroid antibodies (TSH receptor antibodies) in a single blood draw at a certified sample point. You order online, need no referral and receive your results, usually within 2 working days of the blood draw, with a doctor's assessment.
Why this test?
Standard thyroid panels measure TSH and the thyroid hormones, but with a possibly overactive thyroid you often want to go a step further. A Graves' test adds thyroid antibodies, which may help distinguish Graves' disease from other causes of an overactive thyroid.
That makes this more than a plain hyperthyroidism test: the combination of hormones and antibodies gives extra context in one go.
Who is this test for?
This test may be relevant for men who:
- have been told their thyroid values are elevated and want more insight
- have symptoms that fit an overactive thyroid, such as unexplained weight loss, restlessness, tremors or heat sensitivity
- want thyroid antibodies measured alongside the standard thyroid markers
What is tested?
- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) (mu/l, ref: 0.27-4.2): the hormone your pituitary uses to regulate thyroid activity.
- Free T4 (thyroxine) (pmol/l, ref: 12-22): the unbound, active form of thyroxine.
- Free T3 (triiodothyronine) (pmol/l, ref: 3.1-6.8): the unbound, active form of T3, the more potent thyroid hormone.
- TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) (kU/l): thyroid antibodies that may stimulate the TSH receptor, potentially causing the thyroid to overproduce hormones.
What can this test tell you?
The combination of a suppressed TSH with elevated free T4 or free T3 may suggest an overactive thyroid. If thyroid antibodies are also present, this pattern could point toward Graves' disease as the underlying cause.
Several conditions can produce a similar pattern, though, so this result is not a diagnosis. A doctor can interpret the results together with your symptoms. If you first want only the basic function of your thyroid in view, look at the thyroid function test.
How is the sample collected?
Blood is drawn at a certified sample point. There are 650+ locations across the Netherlands, which you choose yourself after ordering. The appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
You arrange this without your GP: no referral, just choose a location and time that suit you.
When is this test useful?
This Graves' test can be useful with symptoms that could be associated with an overactive thyroid, such as unexplained weight loss, an increased heart rate, tremors or anxious feelings. It can also fit if you previously had abnormal thyroid values and want a more targeted follow-up.
Because it is a blood test without a referral, you decide yourself when to start.
What do the results mean?
Your result shows each marker alongside a reference range. The presence or absence of thyroid antibodies, together with your hormone values, can provide additional context.
Individual values say little on their own. A doctor can help determine what the overall pattern may indicate and whether further evaluation is worthwhile.
What happens after the results?
Your results are usually in your personal dashboard within 2 working days of the blood draw, clearly presented with reference ranges. Because Graves' disease calls for professional assessment, it is wise to discuss your result with a doctor, especially if antibodies are found or values fall outside the reference range.
Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Frequently Asked Questions
A regular thyroid test measures TSH, free T4 and free T3. A Graves' test adds thyroid antibodies (TSH receptor antibodies), which may help distinguish Graves' disease from other causes of an overactive thyroid.
TRAb stands for TSH receptor antibodies. These are thyroid antibodies that may stimulate the TSH receptor, potentially causing the thyroid to overproduce hormones.
No. You order the test online, choose a sample point yourself and need no referral from your GP. Always discuss your result with a doctor.
Only if the test asks for it; it says so. Fasting means nothing to eat or drink after 22:00 the evening before, except water, for at least 8 hours. No coffee or tea that morning. Have your blood taken before 10:00.
The test costs €135,-, including the blood draw. You pay it yourself and no draw fee comes on top.
No. What you request yourself falls outside the basic Dutch insurance. You pay yourself, and your deductible (eigen risico) is not touched.
Count on one business day, or a day more if you order after 17:00 or at the weekend. That is how long the referral email takes, and without a referral you are not drawn. Then you can simply walk in at some draw sites; at the rest you book an appointment. Every location states it.
Two things: the barcode from the ZorgDomein email and a valid ID. You show the barcode on your phone. If you have no BSN, the email has no barcode; print the referral form from the link then.
Take medication as usual unless your own doctor said otherwise. Some markers ask for no heavy training for 48 hours or no alcohol for 24 hours. The test and the instructions after your order tell you what applies to you.
You show your barcode and a valid ID, and the draw site takes blood. About a quarter of an hour in total.
Yes. Every result is assessed by a BIG-registered doctor, who explains your values in your account. Treatment you talk over with your GP.
At an independent, certified laboratory from the Caliberhealth network, spread across the Netherlands. That network also runs the draw sites; they are not owned by Caliberhealth. Reference values can differ a little per laboratory.
No. Your test does not pass your GP and does not go into your medical record. A healthcare provider gets your data only with your written consent, and it is never sold. Testing anonymously is not possible: a valid result needs your name, date of birth and a valid ID.
What We Test
| No. | Biomarker | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) | mu/l |
| 02 | TSH Receptor Antibodies | kU/l |
| 03 | Free T4 (Thyroxine) | pmol/l |
| 04 | Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) | pmol/l |
| Your results are usually in your Caliberhealth account within 2 working days of the blood draw. The laboratory states a longer turnaround for Free T3 (Triiodothyronine), Free T4 (Thyroxine) and TSH Receptor Antibodies. | ||
Preparation
-
Pause biotin
RequiredDo you take a supplement with biotin (vitamin B8, common in hair, skin and nail supplements)? Stop it 72 hours before the draw. Biotin interferes with the measurement of these values.
-
Timing worth knowing
Good to knowIf you repeat this test, pick the same time of day each time so the results compare.
-
On levothyroxine? Worth knowing
Good to knowTell the staff at the draw when you took your tablet; for most values the timing makes no difference.
- Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
- Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.
Extend this panel
Same draw, no second appointment.
Related Tests
Thyroid Function
TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 for thyroid assessment.
Cortisol Test
A cortisol test measures the amount of cortisol in your blood. Useful when your doctor asks for it. For stress, burnout or fatigue we advise against it.
PSA Test
Measure your PSA, a marker for the health of your prostate. No referral needed, results usually within 2 working days of the blood draw.