Antithyroglobulin Antibody Test- Why am I having this test?
Your health care provider may order an antithyroglobulin antibody test to help diagnose a number of autoimmune thyroid conditions and other related diseases.
What is being tested?
This test checks for the presence of antibodies that form against the thyroid cells of your body (autoantibodies). Thyroglobulin is a hormone that normally stays in the thyroid gland and is important in the activity of other thyroid hormones. Irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the thyroid gland can result in leakage of thyroglobulin into the bloodstream. This causes autoantibodies to thyroglobulin to form in some people.
What kind of sample is taken?
A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.
How are the results reported?
Your test results will be reported as a value. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, a common reference range is:
- 0–116 international units/mL.
What do the results mean?
Increased levels of antibodies can be seen in people who have:
- Hashimoto thyroiditis.
- Graves disease.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Thyroid cancer.
- Certain types of anemia.
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
- When will my results be ready?
- How will I get my results?
- What are my treatment options?
- What other tests do I need?
- What are my next steps?
Summary
- An antithyroglobulin antibody test may be used to help diagnose a number of autoimmune thyroid conditions and other related diseases.
- Increased levels of antibodies can be seen in thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto thyroiditis and hypothyroidism.
- Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
