Saliva Test? - alt.support.thyroid

Message from discussion Saliva Test?

Ted Huston

More options Aug 22 2000, 3:00 am

Newsgroups: alt.support.thyroid

From: Ted Huston <dr...@umich.edu>

Date: 2000/08/22

Subject: Re: Saliva Test?

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Now that ET is back from his visit with Elvis.....
The reason that saliva testing for the thyroid hormones is a poor
substitute for bloodwork is that very nature of free- v bound-
states. Saliva works well for non-bound systems, like the adrenal
hormones, but not for the thyroid ones which depend heavily on
binders....more than 99% are bound, and the saliva is only going
to "see" the extremely variable portion that is able to pass the
membranes. Sorry to stick a needle in your balloon. However, you
can help your naturopath to get up to speed on this issue and not
mislead future customers.

Perry wrote:
> Hi Lois,

> I haven't heard a lot, but my naturopath suggested one and I've done it.
> I'm a real wuss when it comes to needles, so it sounded like a really good
> alternative test to me. I know that saliva tests are often done for thyroid
> antibodies, but was wondering if anyone else had done one for the T3/T4/free
> measurements. My results are due within the next couple of days.

> -Perry-

> "Lois" <no_s...@infoserve.net> wrote in message...
> Perry wrote:
> : Has anyone heard of a saliva test for T3, T4, and free levels?
> : If so, do you know what levels are considered hypo?

> All I've heard is that our resident expert Encyclopedia Ted a.k.a.
> Lab Man thinks that only blood tests can measure these levels.
> What have you heard about them? I'm curious.

> Lois

--
Ted Huston dr...@umich.edu
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

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