What is the test for iodine deficiency?
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Hello, I am a 22 years old female. My family doctor asked me to get a test done as I was feeling colder than usual and also have swelling in my throat. What is the test for iodine deficiency? Can anyone tell me how it is tested?
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@alya Hello, these are the symptoms of iodine deficiency, you should definitely get tested. Doctors usually test iodine deficiency in three ways
Urine test, blood test, and iodine patch test.
Urine test- The iodine urine test helps diagnose iodine deficiency or excess, as well as iodine-induced hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). It is also useful in the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. Fasting is not required prior to the iodine urine test.
Blood test- An iodine blood test monitors exposure to iodine; evaluate for iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs), excessive iodine intake, or iodine in the workplace.
Iodine Patch test- The iodine patch test is a test where doctors paint a patch of iodine on your skin and check how it looks 24 hours later. For those who are not iodine deficient, the patch fades no sooner than 24 hours. But a deficiency will likely cause the iodine to be absorbed into the skin more quickly. This test is not the most accurate, but it’s inexpensive and relatively quick.