What it means
The thyroid gland makes mostly thyroxine (T4), which the body turns into T3, the form that acts on cells. T3 speeds up metabolism, heart rate and body heat. The blood level is measured with TSH and T4 to check thyroid function: it is often high in hyperthyroidismhy-per-THY-roy-diz-umA condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.hyper- above, overthyr/o thyroid gland-ism conditionFull entry . The "3" is the number of iodine atoms in it.
For the nurse
Write drug names in full; use "T3" only for the hormone or lab test.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | ISMP lists T3 as error-prone when it is used for the drug Tylenol with codeine No. 3, because it can be mistaken for liothyronine (thyroid hormone) |
|---|---|
| Also written | triiodothyronine |
Related terms
hypothyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland makes too little thyroid hormone.
hyperthyroidism
A condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.
thyr/o
A word part that means the thyroid gland.
tri-
A word beginning that means three.