AsseyMethod: Chemiluminescence
Abbrevation: -
Sector: Hormone 1
SampleType: -
S.Vol: -
Transport: -
Storage: -
Test Name: Antithyroid proxidase Ab - anti-TPO
Normal Range: Negative<50 Borderline 50-75 Elevented >75
To help diagnose and monitor autoimmune thyroid diseases and to distinguish these from other forms of thyroiditis, and thyroid disease; to help guide treatment decisions
If you have an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) and/or if your other thyroid function tests (such as Free T3, Free T4, and TSH) indicate thyroid dysfunction; if there are clinical features to suggest thyroid disease; in some patients with related autoimmune diseases
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm
None
These tests detect the presence and measure the quantity of specific thyroid autoantibodies in the blood. These autoantibodies develop when a person’s immune system mistakenly recognises components of the thyroid gland or thyroid proteins as foreign (non-self) and can lead to chronic inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis), tissue damage, and disruption of thyroid function.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that lies flat against the windpipe in the throat. The primary hormones that it produces (thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)) are vital in helping to regulate the rate at which we use energy. The body has a feedback system that utilises thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to help turn thyroid hormone production on and off and maintain a stable amount of the thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. When thyroid antibodies interfere with this process, it can lead to chronic conditions and disorders associated with (not enough thyroid hormones) or (excessive amounts of thyroid hormones). Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, goitre (enlarged thyroid gland), dry skin, hair loss, intolerance to cold, and constipation. Hyperthyroidism can cause symptoms such as sweating, rapid heart rate, anxiety, tremors, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, sudden weight loss, and protruding eyes.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is obtained after inserting a needle with syringe into a vein in the arm.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is needed.