What You Should Know About the Thyroid Antibodies Test

 

A thyroid antibody test is a blood test that measures the amount of thyroid antibodies present in the blood. While normally, the production of antibodies is the body’s way of fighting infection, bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, in rare cases, the immune system ends up producing antibodies that attack healthy parts of the body, a condition known as autoimmune disease. When these antibodies attack healthy thyroid cells, they can damage thyroid tissues, impacting the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. 

Different Types of Thyroid Antibodies


  • Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb): These antibodies can indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) caused due to a condition known as Hashimoto’s disease.
  • Thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb): These antibodies can be a sign of Hashimoto’s disease.
  • Thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb): These antibodies bind to the TSH receptor on thyroid cells, stimulating the gland to produce excess thyroid hormones. They are the primary antibody associated with Graves’ disease.
  • Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI): An antibody that signals an overactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease.

Is a Thyroid Antibody Test Part of Routine Thyroid Testing?

A routine thyroid panel includes testing for Free T4 (Thyroxine), Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). All three tests, T3, T4 and TSH test are relatively well-priced, making them a starting point for evaluating thyroid health. If the test levels reveal an overactive or underactive thyroid gland, doctors may recommend a thyroid antibody test to determine if an autoimmune condition is causing the issue. 

Who Should Get Tested?

Doctors may recommend the test if an individual shows the symptoms of a thyroid problem or an autoimmune condition such as Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease. 

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease

  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Irregular periods
  • Joint pain
  • Low tolerance for cold temperatures
  • Hair loss

Symptoms of Graves’ Disease

  • Weight loss
  • Swollen thyroid
  • Insomnia
  • Tremors in hands
  • Bulging of the eye
  • Low tolerance to heat
  • Increased heart rate

How to Prepare for the Test?

A thyroid antibody test does not require any special preparation. However, before getting tested, it’s important to consult a doctor and inform them of any online medication or supplement, as certain ingredients may interfere with the accuracy of the test results. 

Understanding the Test Results

A negative result indicates that little or no thyroid antibodies were detected in the blood, suggesting that the thyroid dysfunction is likely not caused by an autoimmune disorder.

A positive antibody result suggests an autoimmune thyroid disorder, such as Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease. Consultation and proper diagnosis are necessary for managing the condition.

The thyroid antibody test is a valuable diagnostic tool that can help doctors identify the underlying cause of a thyroid condition.

For a complete health review, consider booking a Whole Body Checkup in Mumbai to identify any underlying concerns early on.

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