Antithyroglobulin Antibody Test

The thyroid gland causes the release of hormones that regulate your metabolism. It generates a variety of proteins, including thyroglobulin. Thyroglobulin is used by the thyroid gland to produce active thyroid hormones.

An autoimmune disorder can interfere with the generation of thyroglobulin. When your immune system produces antibodies which attack the body's own healthy cells, you have an autoimmune disorder . When the immune system attacks the thyroid , it frequently affects thyroglobulin. As a result, it produces antithyroglobulin antibodies. An antithyroglobulin antibody test can be ordered by your doctor to determine the amount of these antibodies in your circulation. A high level might suggest an autoimmune disorder.

Alternative Names

Thyroglobulin antibody; Hypothyroidism - thyroglobulin antibody; Thyroiditis - thyroglobulin antibody; Underactive thyroid - thyroglobulin antibody; Thyroiditis - thyroglobulin antibody; Graves disease - thyroglobulin antibody

What is the purpose of an antithyroglobulin antibody test?

If you experience symptoms of a thyroid issue, your doctor may prescribe an antithyroglobulin test. The following are the symptoms:

Your doctor may also prescribe it if you develop a goiter , a disease in which your thyroid gland enlarges. Doctors may also order it if they believe you have Graves' disease or Hashimoto thyroiditis. It can aid in the detection of thyroid dysfunction.

How should you prepare for the examination?

You will need to get a blood sample collected for an antithyroglobulin antibody test. The doctor will instruct you on how to prepare. They may request that you refrain from eating or drinking for several hours prior. They may also request that you discontinue taking any drugs that may interfere with your test findings or blood draw. They may, for example, encourage you to refrain from taking blood thinners such as warfarin or even multivitamins.

Inform your doctor about any medications you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. Do not discontinue your prescriptions without first consulting your doctor.

How is the examination conducted?

A nurse or lab technician will extract a blood sample from you. They will most likely draw it from a vein in your arm using a tiny needle. They will collect blood samples in a tube and transport it to a lab for analysis. When your test results are ready, your doctor will notify you.

Why the Test is Performed

This test helps in the detection of potential thyroid issues.

Antithyroglobulin antibodies may indicate immune system-induced thyroid gland injury. If thyroiditis is suspected, they could be measured. The doctor treating you can determine the appropriate test to check for a return of thyroid cancer by measuring your thyroglobulin antibody levels following therapy.

Risks associated with the test

This test poses no risks or dangers. Some people may feel discomfort when the blood is extracted. The area may cause a little discomfort, throbbing, or bruising after the needle has been inserted, but most effects will go soon.

What do the test findings mean?

A negative test result is considered normal for the antithyroglobulin antibody test. This means no antibodies to thyroglobulin are found in your blood.

It's important to note that antithyroglobulin antibody test normal range values may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples.

If there are high levels of antithyroglobulin antibodies in your blood, it might be a symptom of a dangerous autoimmune condition like Graves' disease or Hashimoto thyroiditis.

You might have antithyroglobulin antibodies in your blood without any particular issues in certain circumstances. If your test shows positive results for these antibodies and the doctor is unable to determine the underlying reason, you may be monitored for emergent health concerns.

Your doctor can assist you in comprehending the findings of your test. Your recommended next steps will be determined by your unique diagnosis. They may, for example, suggest additional testing or treatment choices. Inquire with your doctor about your test findings, condition, and future prevention steps.