Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about thyroid blood tests:

1. What type of thyroid blood test will you be performing?
   
   
2. What conditions can you detect with this thyroid blood test? What do you suspect I have?
   
   
3. Will I require more than one type of thyroid blood test?
   
   
4. Can I eat before the test or do I have to fast for a certain period of time beforehand?
   
   
5. How else should I prepare for the test?
   
   
6. How many vials of my blood are needed for this test?
   
   
7. Are there any significant risks associated with the test?
   
   
8. Does the test have any side effects? Which should I report to you?
   
   
9. How long will I have to wait for test results?
   
   
10. Will I need additional diagnostic testing to confirm the thyroid blood test results? What type?
    
    
11. If don’t have any signs of illness, should I be screened with a thyroid blood test?