Thyroid Autoantibodies [Blood]

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Testing thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase can be added as an optional extra to the Thyroid Hormone Profile to provide a comprehensive assessment of thyroid function.

Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, frequently develop antibodies against thyroglobulin.  Thyroglobulin-specific antibodies help in the diagnosis of these diseases, but they may also be present in apparently healthy euthyroid individuals.

It is a frequent epitope of autoantibodies in autoimmune thyroid disease so the antibody titre can be used to assess disease activity in patients who have developed such antibodies. An epitope is the part of antigen that reacts with an antibody of a T cell receptor.

Thyroglobulin Antibodies

The presence of auto-antibodies against thyroglobulin, indicates possible inflammation of the thyroid gland (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). High levels are found in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (85%), thyroid carcinoma (45%) and Grave’s disease (30%).

Low levels of antibodies are found in 10% of normal patients, many autoimmune conditions (including pernicious anaemia and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) and some chromosomal disorders, such as Turner’s syndrome and Down’s syndrome.

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies/TPO Ab

The presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies is also indicative for autoimmune thyroid disorders. The enzyme thyroid peroxidase (TPO) appears to be the particular component of the microsomes that directly target the auto-antibodies that cause illness.

They may be positive in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, idiopathic myxoedema and Grave’s disease. Non-immune thyroid disorders show no greater incidence than normal.

Specimen Requirements

One blood sample is required for completion of test. Take a referral along to the nearest Australian Clinical Labs Collection Centre. Find the nearest collection centre online at clinicallabs.com.au/location.

Patient Preparation

Patient does not need to fast or make any special preparation before having blood collected.

Turnaround Time

Standard turnaround time for this test is 7-10 business days.

Price

$60.00

Additional $20.00 collection fee applies to this test.

Payment

No prepayment required. Patient will be billed once the testing is complete.

Code

THA

Test Results

Patient results are delivered to the referring practitioner via electronic download unless requested otherwise. Results can also be issued via hardcopy or fax.

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