Anti-Thyroglobulin antibodies (Anti-Tg)

What is the **Thyroid Antibodies Test and what does the result show?**

Thyroid antibody tests play a crucial role in diagnosing autoimmune thyroid disease, which can lead to either hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland).

Thyroid antibody tests may additionally serve the following purposes:

1. Diagnosing autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease.
2. Guiding treatment decisions for thyroid conditions.
3. Assessing the potential progression of mild hypothyroidism.
4. Evaluating the risk to the fetus in pregnant individuals with thyroid issues.
5. Estimating the likelihood of relapse following treatment for Graves' disease.
6. Monitoring individuals who have undergone previous treatment for thyroid cancer.

What is the prevalence of Hashimotos thyroiditis?

In the United States, the majority of hypothyroidism cases occur in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a condition that disproportionately affects women, occurring five to ten times more often in women than in men. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is primarily associated with another autoimmune ailment known as Graves' disease. Women, particularly those in their fifth and sixth decades of life, are more prone to developing Graves' disease.

What does the test measure?

When an autoimmune condition is suspected as the underlying cause of a thyroid issue, thyroid antibody testing is conducted. This test is designed to identify and quantify thyroid antibodies present in the bloodstream.

Typically, antibodies are responsible for defending the body against foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins. However, in the case of autoimmune disorders, these antibodies mistakenly attack the body's tissues.

These antibodies that target your own body are referred to as autoantibodies or antithyroid antibodies. Thyroid antibody testing may encompass the examination of various types of thyroid antibodies, including:

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb)

Thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb)

Thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb)

What does Thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) show?

This condition may arise when the thyroid gland has sustained damage. Typically, these antibodies are assessed alongside thyroglobulin tests, especially following the completion of treatment for thyroid cancer.

While this marker is generally elevated in the presence of autoimmune thyroid conditions, it is not routinely included in the testing for individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease. Thyroglobulin antibodies may, however, be utilized for monitoring thyroid cancer patients post-treatment.

Is there any preparation before the test?

There's no need for any specific preparations ahead of a thyroid antibodies blood test. However, if you are also having thyroid function tests such as TSH, T3, or T4 done simultaneously with the antibodies test, it's important to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you may be currently using.

When can I receive the test results?

Thyroid antibody test results are usually available within 24 hours after your blood draw in Lilium diagnostics centers.