Assessing Autoimmune Response for Comprehensive Thyroid Health Insight
Antibodies that attack the thyroid gland cause swelling, rarely tenderness and reduced function of the thyroid. Your doctor may also order a TPO antibody test if you are pregnant and have an autoimmune disease that involves the thyroid, such as Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease. Some people with TPO antibodies may not have thyroid disease.
Covid Safety
Assured
Free Report
Counselling
Recommended for You
How our test process works!
Overview
The Anti-Thyroid Antibody test measures the presence of antibodies that target the thyroid gland. These antibodies can interfere with thyroid function and are associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases such as:
-
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – commonly leads to hypothyroidism
-
Graves’ disease – commonly leads to hyperthyroidism
Common types of anti-thyroid antibodies tested:
-
Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (Anti-TPO Ab) – indicates thyroid tissue damage, most common in Hashimoto’s.
-
Anti-thyroglobulin antibody (Anti-Tg Ab) – less specific, also seen in autoimmune thyroid diseases.
-
TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) – primarily in Graves’ disease.
Risk Assessment
-
Minimal risk – this is a simple blood test.
-
Potential risks:
-
Slight pain or bruising at the puncture site.
-
Rare: infection at the puncture site.
-
-
Precautions:
-
No special precautions for fasting unless other tests are being done.
-
Inform the lab if on medications affecting thyroid function.
-
Normal Range
Reference ranges can vary by lab. Typical values:
-
Anti-TPO Ab: < 35 IU/mL
-
Anti-Tg Ab: < 40 IU/mL
-
TRAb: < 1.75 IU/L
Interpretation
| Antibody | Positive Result Suggests | Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-TPO Ab | Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, sometimes Graves’ | Higher levels correlate with disease severity and risk of hypothyroidism |
| Anti-Tg Ab | Hashimoto’s, Graves’, or thyroid cancer | Less specific; used with Anti-TPO for confirmation |
| TRAb | Graves’ disease | May indicate hyperthyroidism; also important in pregnancy to assess fetal risk |
3. Sample Type
-
Blood sample (serum) collected via venipuncture.
-
Usually 2–5 mL of blood is sufficient.
Frequently Asked Question
Anti Thyroid Ab
Assessing Autoimmune Response for Comprehensive Thyroid Health Insight
Antibodies that attack the thyroid gland cause swelling, rarely tenderness and reduced function of the thyroid. Your doctor may also order a TPO antibody test if you are pregnant and have an autoimmune disease that involves the thyroid, such as Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease. Some people with TPO antibodies may not have thyroid disease.
Covid Safety
Assured
Free Report
Counselling