Accurate Thyroid, Diabetes & Hormonal Tests — NABL-Accredited, Trusted Results

What is the difference between TSH, T3, and T4 tests?

A: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is the primary screening test — elevated TSH indicates hypothyroidism; low TSH indicates hyperthyroidism. Free T3 and Free T4 confirm the severity and help differentiate conditions. Anti-TPO antibodies confirm autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's or Graves').

What is the most accurate method for HbA1c testing?

A: HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) certified to NGSP standards is the gold standard for HbA1c — it is unaffected by haemoglobin variants common in India. NABL-accredited labs using Bio-Rad or Tosoh HPLC platforms provide the most reliable results.

When should reproductive hormones be tested?

A: FSH, LH, and Oestradiol for fertility assessment should be drawn on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle; progesterone for ovulation confirmation on day 21; AMH can be drawn on any day of the cycle.

What is HOMA-IR and why is it important?

A: HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) is calculated from fasting glucose and insulin — it quantifies insulin resistance before full-blown diabetes develops, enabling early lifestyle intervention.

Why does the timing of cortisol sample collection matter?

A: Cortisol follows a diurnal rhythm — peak levels at 8 AM and nadir at midnight. Morning cortisol (8 AM) is the standard for adrenal insufficiency screening; late-night salivary cortisol is used for Cushing's syndrome assessment. Wrong collection timing renders results uninterpretable.