THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODIES

Other names: thyroid autoantibodies, thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin, TPO, Anti-TPO, thyroid antibodies 

What is a thyroid peroxidase antibodies test?

The thyroid peroxidase antibodies test determines the number of thyroid antibodies in your blood. A thyroid is a gland of small shaped like a butterfly. It is present in front of the neck. The purpose of the thyroid is to make hormones, which move into the bloodstream. The thyroid hormones regulate different functions of the body’s metabolism. These hormones show affect every organ in the body. They help to maintain the temperature, weight, muscle strength, heart, and mood of a person. 

The immune system develops antibodies, which are proteins to protect your body against bacteria and viruses. A condition of the autoimmune response in which antibodies mistakenly damage their own cells, tissues, and organ. It can result in chronic thyroid inflammation or damage to thyroid function. 

What is the purpose of the test?

The thyroid antibodies test helps to diagnose hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition of an overactive thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is due to an underactive thyroid gland. The purpose of the thyroid antibodies test is to:
 

• Check the condition of mild hypothyroidism and whether it may develop problems over time.
• Diagnose an autoimmune disorder like Grave's disease and Hashimoto’s disease.
• Evaluate the risk of danger after the treatment for Grave's disease.
• Monitor if you have had treated for thyroid cancer.
• Prescribe the efficient course of treatment.
• Find the risk in the unborn child of pregnant women with thyroid disease. 

Hypothyroidism occurs in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis disease, which is most common in the US. While hyperthyroidism results from Grave’s disease, which is also an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the healthy functions of the thyroid gland in both diseases. Despite having the thyroid antibodies test diagnoses Grave’s disease or Hashimoto's disease, it does not always mean that this test may also help in diagnosing other autoimmune disorders. 

What are the different types of antibodies?

The test measures the number of different thyroid antibodies in your blood. A few antibodies may destroy thyroid hormones. Some can lead to developing more amount of thyroid hormones. A thyroid peroxidase antibodies test generally gives the quantity of the following types of antibodies:

• Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) – The essential enzyme for producing thyroid hormones. High levels of TPO often occur in people having Hashimoto thyroiditis disease. 

 

• Thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg) – The thyroid produces thyroglobulin. It is a significant protein that produces T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) hormones. Thyroglobulin can be present when your thyroid is damaged. These antibodies also measure besides thyroglobulin tests when you receive complete treatment for thyroid cancer.

 

• Thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TR) – These antibodies link to the receptor on thyroid cells and activate by TSH. The pituitary gland releases the hormone in the blood. This hormone is known as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or thyrotropin. In Grave’s disease, a Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) connects to the TSH receptor. It also copies the action of TSH. It leads to constant stimulation of the thyroid gland and the release of a large amount of thyroid hormone. 

The quantity of these hormones in the blood can play a role in diagnosing the disease for thyroid. High or low levels of T4 and TSH can indicate signs of a thyroid problem. It is the reason they are known as the best test to diagnose the conditions of the thyroid. 

When do I need a thyroid peroxidase antibodies test?

Your doctor may recommend the test if you experience symptoms of thyroid problems. You can order the lab test online at UmbrellaMD. Your provider may also suggest the thyroid antibodies test if you have symptoms of Hashimoto or Grave’s disease.

Symptoms of Hashimoto's disease, such as

• Obesity
• Constipation
• Losing hair
• Fatigue 
• Pain in joint 
• Depression
• Intolerance to cold
• Irregular menstrual periods

Symptoms of Grave’s disease: 
 

• Intolerance to heat
• Anxiety
• Weight loss
• Difficulty sleeping
• Disturbance in heartbeat
• Swelling in eyes
• Tremors
• Swelling in the thyroid (goiter)

You may have to conduct this test if your thyroid hormone levels are too low or too high in an additional test. These include measurements of hormones such as T3, T4, and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

What happens during a thyroid antibodies test?

You may need to provide a blood sample. Your healthcare provider injects a needle into a vein of your arm. A small amount of blood collects in the test tube when a needle injects into your vein. Your provider applies the bandage to your vein to prevent blood leakage. This test generally takes at least 5 minutes. 

How do I need to prepare for the test?

You do not have to prepare for the thyroid peroxidase antibodies test. 

Is there any risk to the test?

There is little risk in the blood test. You may experience pain at the spot where the needle goes in. But, these symptoms do not stay for a long time. 

What do the test results mean?

If you have abnormal results of thyroid antibodies test, this may show the disease of autoimmune disorder. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies can indicate the following results:
 

• Negative result – This means you have no thyroid antibodies. You do not have a disease or an autoimmune disorder.
• Positive result –TPO and Tg antibodies are present in your blood. These may indicate you have Hashimoto's disease. If one or both of these antibodies show high levels, people most often experience Hashimoto's disease. 
• Positive result – TPO and TSH receptor antibodies are present in your blood. These can indicate that you have Grave’s disease.

If your results have higher thyroid antibodies, this may indicate that you are more likely to develop an autoimmune disorder. Your doctor may recommend medicines if you are diagnosed with Graves or Hashimoto disease. 

What else do I need to know about a thyroid peroxidase antibodies test?

The problem in the thyroid may affect pregnancy. It can lead to danger for both the mother and her unborn child. Your doctor may recommend an additional test with thyroid peroxidase antibodies if you are pregnant and have experience thyroid disease. You can register here to learn about more laboratory tests. Your provider suggests medicines during pregnancy for the treatment of thyroid disease. 

Visit Umbrella Health Care Systems to make an online appointment with a doctor. It is online healthcare that provides services including e-consultation, pharmacies, laboratory tests, and medical imaging.