The short answer
Evaluates thyroid hormone binding capacity — helps interpret total T3 and T4 results more accurately, measured from a standard blood draw. At TestWell it costs $22.99 plus a $6 lab fee, needs no fasting, and results post in 1–3 business days. Physician-authorized with no doctor's visit or insurance needed; draw at Quest or Labcorp.
Hospital Lab
$120
cash pay
Other Labs
$35
+ lab fees
TestWell
$22.99
+ $6 lab fee
T3 Uptake (also called T3 Resin Uptake or THBR) is an indirect measure of how much thyroid-binding protein in your blood is available to carry thyroid hormones. It does not measure T3 hormone levels directly. Instead, it helps determine whether abnormal total T3 or T4 levels are due to actual thyroid dysfunction or simply changes in binding protein levels (which can be affected by pregnancy, estrogen therapy, liver disease, or certain medications). When combined with Total T4, the T3 Uptake allows calculation of the Free Thyroxine Index (FTI), providing a more accurate assessment of thyroid status.
Thyroid testing measures the hormones that regulate metabolism, energy, body temperature, weight, and mood — identifying both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions.
Anyone with fatigue, weight changes, mood changes, hair loss, cold/heat intolerance, irregular cycles, or family history of thyroid disease.
Sample Type
Blood draw
Fasting
Not required
Results In
1–3 business days
Performed At
Quest or Labcorp
1 biomarker tested
Your T3 Uptake results will include values for each of the 1 biomarker tested, along with reference ranges. Results are reviewed by a licensed physician before being released to your secure portal.
If any values fall outside the normal range, your report will include guidance on what that may mean and recommended next steps. You'll receive an email notification when your results are ready, typically within 1–3 business days.
Typical reference range layout
Lab reports show where your value sits relative to established reference intervals—your physician interprets this in context for you.
No fasting or special preparation required.
A T3 Uptake test costs $22.99 at TestWell — $28.99 all-in when ordered alone, because the $6 lab processing fee is charged once per order, with no draw fee or physician fee added. Hospital outpatient labs typically bill around $120.00 self-pay for the same test, and often more. With insurance, what you pay depends on your deductible and your plan's negotiated rate; TestWell's price is fixed before the draw and is HSA/FSA-eligible.
| Where you order | Price | One test, all-in | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TestWell (drawn at Quest or Labcorp) | $22.99 | $28.99 | Includes the one $6 lab processing fee, charged once per order |
| Hospital outpatient lab, self-pay (typical) | $120.00 | $120.00 | Reference figure; hospital charges vary widely by facility and are often higher |
Lab test codes: Quest test code 861 · Labcorp test no. 001156 · BioReference code 0152-9. Competitor prices are read from the linked public pages and re-checked regularly; the labs' sites may add taxes or change prices without notice.
Compare more: Quest Diagnostics price list · Labcorp price list · Quest vs Labcorp · Lab test price checker
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
TestWell Price
$22.99
+ $6 lab processing fee at checkout
No insurance needed · HIPAA compliant
Better value: the Advanced Thyroid Panel
Save $88.94This test is part of the Advanced Thyroid Panel — 7 tests · 8 biomarkers for $129.99, $88.94 less than à la carte.
$129.99$218.93
7 tests · 8 biomarkers
Frequently ordered together
Customers who ordered T3 Uptake also added these for a more complete health picture.
Not sure where to start?
T3 Uptake
$22.99