![Thyroid Test Cost in the Philippines [2026 Price Guide]](/_next/image?url=%2Fblog-images%2Fthyroid-test-cost-philippines.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Thyroid Test Cost in the Philippines [2026 Price Guide]
Quick Answer: Thyroid tests in the Philippines cost ₱400-₱5,000 depending on the test type. A standalone TSH test costs ₱400-₱1,500. Individual T3, T4, FT3, FT4 tests cost ₱1,100-₱4,700 each. A complete thyroid panel (TSH, T3, T4, FT3, FT4) costs ₱1,235-₱2,300 at most diagnostic centers. Thyroid ultrasound costs ₱1,500-₱4,000. Top labs include Hi-Precision Diagnostics, Healthway, and hospital laboratories at The Medical City and Makati Medical Center.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is a Thyroid Test?
- Price Breakdown by Test Type
- What Is Included in the Price
- Price by Facility
- Thyroid Ultrasound and Imaging
- Additional Costs
- Price by City
- PhilHealth and HMO Coverage
- Who Should Get Tested
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine problems in the Philippines, affecting an estimated 1 in 11 Filipinos. Women are 5-8 times more likely to develop thyroid disease than men, and the Philippines has historically had elevated rates of iodine deficiency disorders — particularly in mountainous and inland provinces. Despite how common thyroid problems are, many Filipinos live with undiagnosed hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism for years, experiencing fatigue, weight changes, anxiety, and other symptoms that are often dismissed as "just stress" or "just getting older."
A simple blood test can diagnose most thyroid problems. Basic TSH screening costs as little as ₱400 at government laboratories, while a comprehensive thyroid panel at a private diagnostic center costs ₱1,235-₱2,300 — a small price for answers that can transform your health. This guide breaks down every thyroid test available in the Philippines, what each costs, and which tests you actually need based on your symptoms and risk factors.
If you are planning comprehensive health screening, thyroid tests are often included in executive packages — see our Annual Physical Exam Cost guide for package comparisons.
What Is a Thyroid Test?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism, energy, weight, body temperature, heart rate, and mood. When the thyroid produces too little hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism), it can cause a wide range of symptoms.
Common Thyroid Tests
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) — the primary screening test; usually the first test ordered
- Free T4 (FT4) — the active form of the main thyroid hormone
- Free T3 (FT3) — the most active thyroid hormone (converted from T4)
- Total T4 — total thyroxine in the blood
- Total T3 — total triiodothyronine in the blood
- Thyroid antibodies (Anti-TPO, Anti-Tg, TRAb) — detect autoimmune thyroid disease
- Thyroglobulin — monitored in thyroid cancer patients
What the Tests Tell You
| Result Pattern | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| TSH high, FT4 low | Primary hypothyroidism |
| TSH high, FT4 normal | Subclinical hypothyroidism |
| TSH low, FT4 high | Hyperthyroidism |
| TSH low, FT4 normal | Subclinical hyperthyroidism |
| TSH normal, FT4 normal | Normal thyroid function |
| TSH normal, FT4/FT3 very high | Rare conditions (T3 thyrotoxicosis) |
Price Breakdown by Test Type
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) — ₱400-₱1,500
The most important thyroid screening test and often the only test needed for initial evaluation.
- Government laboratories: ₱400-₱800
- Diagnostic centers: ₱500-₱1,000
- Private hospitals: ₱800-₱1,500
TSH alone is sufficient for most screening purposes. If TSH is abnormal, additional tests follow.
Free T4 (FT4) — ₱800-₱2,000
The active form of the main thyroid hormone. Usually ordered when TSH is abnormal.
- Government laboratories: ₱800-₱1,200
- Diagnostic centers: ₱900-₱1,500
- Private hospitals: ₱1,200-₱2,000
Free T3 (FT3) — ₱800-₱2,000
The most biologically active thyroid hormone. Often ordered alongside FT4.
- Government laboratories: ₱800-₱1,200
- Diagnostic centers: ₱900-₱1,500
- Private hospitals: ₱1,200-₱2,000
Total T4 — ₱1,100-₱1,500
Total thyroxine in the blood. Less commonly ordered today compared to FT4.
- Diagnostic centers: ₱1,100-₱1,500
Total T3 — ₱1,100-₱1,500
Total triiodothyronine. Less commonly ordered today compared to FT3.
- Diagnostic centers: ₱1,100-₱1,500
Complete Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4, FT3, FT4) — ₱1,235-₱2,300
Many diagnostic centers bundle multiple thyroid tests for a discounted package price.
- Lab1 Diagnostic Center: ₱2,300
- Diagnostic centers (TSH + FT3 + FT4): ₱1,235-₱1,800
- Hi-Precision Thyroid Health Check (includes ultrasound): ₱2,500-₱4,500
Thyroid Antibody Tests — ₱1,500-₱3,500 each
Used to diagnose autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease).
| Test | Purpose | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody) | Hashimoto's thyroiditis | ₱1,500-₱2,500 |
| Anti-Tg (Thyroglobulin Antibody) | Hashimoto's, thyroid cancer monitoring | ₱1,500-₱2,500 |
| TRAb (TSH Receptor Antibody) | Graves' disease | ₱2,500-₱3,500 |
Thyroglobulin — ₱1,500-₱3,500
Used to monitor patients with thyroid cancer after treatment.
- Specialized labs: ₱1,500-₱3,500
Price Comparison Table
| Test | Price Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| TSH | ₱400 - ₱1,500 | Primary screening |
| Free T4 | ₱800 - ₱2,000 | Thyroid hormone level |
| Free T3 | ₱800 - ₱2,000 | Active thyroid hormone |
| Total T4 | ₱1,100 - ₱1,500 | Less common today |
| Total T3 | ₱1,100 - ₱1,500 | Less common today |
| Complete thyroid panel | ₱1,235 - ₱2,300 | Full evaluation |
| Anti-TPO | ₱1,500 - ₱2,500 | Hashimoto's diagnosis |
| TRAb | ₱2,500 - ₱3,500 | Graves' diagnosis |
| Thyroglobulin | ₱1,500 - ₱3,500 | Cancer monitoring |
| Thyroid ultrasound | ₱1,500 - ₱4,000 | Structural imaging |
What Is Included in the Price
Thyroid test fees typically include:
- Blood draw (venipuncture)
- Laboratory processing and analysis
- Official lab report with normal reference ranges
- Basic result interpretation (normal or abnormal indication)
Not usually included:
- Consultation with endocrinologist or internist to discuss results (₱500-₱2,500)
- Follow-up tests if abnormalities are found
- Thyroid ultrasound (separate charge)
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules (if indicated)
Price by Facility
Diagnostic Centers
| Facility | TSH | Full Thyroid Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Hi-Precision Diagnostics | ₱600 - ₱1,000 | ₱2,000 - ₱3,500 |
| Healthway / QualiMed | ₱600 - ₱1,000 | ₱1,800 - ₱3,000 |
| NWDI (Nationwide Diagnostic) | ₱500 - ₱900 | ₱1,500 - ₱2,500 |
| Lab1 Diagnostic Center | ₱600 - ₱900 | ₱2,300 |
| Medicard Clinics | ₱600 - ₱1,100 | ₱1,800 - ₱3,000 |
Private Hospitals
| Facility | TSH | Full Thyroid Panel |
|---|---|---|
| The Medical City | ₱900 - ₱1,400 | ₱2,500 - ₱4,000 |
| Makati Medical Center | ₱1,000 - ₱1,500 | ₱3,000 - ₱4,500 |
| St. Luke's Medical Center | ₱1,000 - ₱1,500 | ₱3,000 - ₱4,500 |
| Asian Hospital | ₱900 - ₱1,400 | ₱2,800 - ₱4,200 |
| Cardinal Santos Medical Center | ₱800 - ₱1,300 | ₱2,500 - ₱4,000 |
| Cebu Doctors' University Hospital | ₱800 - ₱1,200 | ₱2,300 - ₱3,500 |
Government Laboratories
| Facility | TSH | Full Thyroid Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Philippine General Hospital | ₱400 - ₱700 | ₱1,500 - ₱2,500 |
| East Avenue Medical Center | ₱400 - ₱700 | ₱1,500 - ₱2,500 |
| Provincial DOH hospitals | ₱400 - ₱800 | ₱1,500 - ₱2,500 |
Thyroid Ultrasound and Imaging
If a thyroid blood test is abnormal, or if your doctor detects a thyroid nodule or enlargement, you may need thyroid imaging:
| Test | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Thyroid ultrasound | ₱1,500 - ₱4,000 |
| Thyroid scan (radioactive iodine uptake) | ₱5,000 - ₱12,000 |
| Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodule | ₱4,000 - ₱10,000 |
Thyroid ultrasound is the most common follow-up imaging test. It uses ultrasound waves (no radiation) to evaluate thyroid size, structure, and nodules. It is safe and can be performed on pregnant women.
Additional Costs
| Additional Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Endocrinologist consultation | ₱800 - ₱2,500 |
| Follow-up blood tests | ₱600 - ₱2,500 |
| Thyroid ultrasound | ₱1,500 - ₱4,000 |
| Fine needle aspiration biopsy | ₱4,000 - ₱10,000 |
| Thyroid scan | ₱5,000 - ₱12,000 |
| Thyroid medications (monthly) | ₱200 - ₱2,000/month |
| Surgery (if required) | ₱80,000 - ₱250,000 |
Price by City
| City | TSH | Full Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Manila | ₱400 - ₱1,500 | ₱1,500 - ₱4,500 |
| Cebu City | ₱500 - ₱1,300 | ₱1,500 - ₱4,000 |
| Davao City | ₱500 - ₱1,300 | ₱1,500 - ₱4,000 |
| Iloilo City | ₱500 - ₱1,200 | ₱1,500 - ₱3,500 |
| Baguio City | ₱500 - ₱1,200 | ₱1,500 - ₱3,500 |
| Provincial areas | ₱400 - ₱1,000 | ₱1,200 - ₱3,000 |
PhilHealth and HMO Coverage
PhilHealth
PhilHealth does not cover standalone thyroid testing as preventive screening. However, when thyroid tests are ordered as part of the workup for a PhilHealth-covered condition (e.g., heart failure, pregnancy with gestational thyroid issues), they may be included in the benefit package.
Thyroid cancer treatment is covered under PhilHealth's cancer benefits, including surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, and monitoring.
HMO Coverage
- Basic HMOs: May cover TSH as part of annual check-up
- Standard HMOs: Usually cover full thyroid panel when medically indicated
- Premium HMOs: Include thyroid tests in executive APE packages
Check your HMO plan for specific coverage and whether a doctor's referral is required.
Who Should Get Tested
Recommended Screening
| Group | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Women 50+ | TSH every 5 years |
| Pregnant women | TSH at first prenatal visit |
| Family history of thyroid disease | TSH every 1-2 years |
| Autoimmune disease (diabetes, lupus, etc.) | TSH every 1-2 years |
| Neck radiation history | TSH annually |
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (Get Tested)
- Unexplained weight gain
- Fatigue and low energy
- Cold intolerance (feeling cold when others are comfortable)
- Dry skin and hair loss
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness or aches
- Depression or brain fog
- Slow heart rate
- Heavy menstrual periods (in women)
- Infertility
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (Get Tested)
- Unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Anxiety, nervousness, irritability
- Tremors in the hands
- Heat intolerance and increased sweating
- Insomnia
- Frequent bowel movements
- Muscle weakness
- Eye changes (bulging eyes — classic for Graves' disease)
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid visible in the neck)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important thyroid test?
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is the most important and commonly ordered thyroid test. In most cases, a normal TSH rules out thyroid problems, and an abnormal TSH prompts further testing. For initial screening in patients with no symptoms, TSH alone is usually sufficient.
Do I need to fast before a thyroid test?
Generally, no. Thyroid tests do not require fasting. However, if the thyroid test is being done as part of a larger panel that includes fasting blood sugar or lipid profile, you will need to fast for those tests.
What time of day should I have my thyroid test?
TSH levels fluctuate during the day, with the highest values typically in the early morning. For consistency, it is best to have your thyroid tests performed in the morning (before 10 AM), especially if you are monitoring thyroid treatment.
Can I take my thyroid medication before the test?
If you are on thyroid replacement (e.g., Levothyroxine), most doctors recommend taking your medication AFTER the blood draw on test day. This ensures the test reflects your natural thyroid levels plus your daily dose. However, follow your endocrinologist's specific instructions.
How often should I get my thyroid checked?
- Healthy adults with no symptoms: Every 5 years from age 35
- Women 50+: Every 5 years, or more often if symptoms
- Patients with known thyroid disease: Every 6-12 months for monitoring
- Patients starting or adjusting medication: Every 6-8 weeks until stable
Are thyroid problems hereditary?
Yes. Many thyroid conditions, especially Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, have a strong genetic component. If you have close relatives with thyroid disease, you are at higher risk and should be screened earlier and more frequently.
Can stress cause thyroid problems?
Stress does not directly cause thyroid disease, but it can trigger autoimmune thyroid conditions in genetically predisposed individuals and worsen symptoms in people with existing thyroid disease. Managing stress is important for overall thyroid health.
What happens if I ignore thyroid symptoms?
Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to severe fatigue, weight gain, heart disease, depression, infertility, and in extreme cases, myxedema coma. Untreated hyperthyroidism can cause heart arrhythmias, osteoporosis, and thyroid storm. Both conditions are highly treatable when diagnosed — the cost of ignoring symptoms is far higher than the cost of testing.
Conclusion
Thyroid testing in the Philippines is affordable and widely available. A simple TSH screening at ₱400-₱1,500 can reveal thyroid problems that have been causing unexplained symptoms for years. If you have any of the symptoms listed above — or simply want peace of mind — do not delay testing.
Budget option: Government hospitals for standalone TSH at ₱400-₱800, or complete panel at ₱1,500-₱2,500. Best value for basic screening.
Best value: Hi-Precision Diagnostics or similar diagnostic centers for full thyroid panel (TSH + FT3 + FT4) at ₱1,800-₱3,000. Fast turnaround, reliable results.
Premium option: Hospital laboratories at The Medical City, Makati Medical Center, or St. Luke's for full panel + endocrinologist consultation at ₱3,000-₱4,500. Best when you want specialist oversight.
Pro tip: If you are a woman over 35 with any symptoms — fatigue, weight changes, mood changes, cold intolerance, or irregular periods — TSH screening is one of the highest-value tests you can order. Discuss with your doctor or include it in your next annual physical exam. Browse diagnostic centers on ClinicFinderPH to find affordable thyroid testing near you.