Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It’s ForPurposeBefore the TestDuring the TestAfter the TestResultsRisks
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It’s For
Purpose
Before the Test
During the Test
After the Test
Results
Risks
A thyroglobulin antibody test measures antibodies against thyroglobulin, a protein found in thyroid cells. In people with an autoimmune thyroid condition, the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack this protein as if it were an invader.A thyroglobulin antibody test may be performed if your healthcare provider suspects you have a thyroid condition. The test might be ordered along with other thyroid tests such as a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test.This article discusses the thyroglobulin antibody test, why it is done, and what its results can tell you.dardespot / Getty ImagesWhat Is a Thyroglobulin Antibody Test For?Your healthcare provider may order a thyroglobulin antibody test if they think you have a thyroid condition. This test is also called an antithyroglobulin antibody test or thyroid antibody test. If the test finds antithyroglobulin antibodies in your bloodstream, it’s an indication that you may have an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid,The test looks for antibodies against thyroglobulin, a protein that helps your thyroid synthesize T4 and the active T3 form of thyroid hormones. These hormones play an important role in your body’s metabolism, growth, and development.Autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid include:Overactive thyroid orGrave’s diseaseHashimoto thyroiditisUnderactive thyroid or hypothyroidismType 1 diabetesSystemic lupus erythematosusThyroglobulin antibodies are also useful in monitoring thyroid cancer patients after the removal of the thyroid gland. The presence of antibodies after a thyroidectomy may mean there’s new thyroid tissue growing, and possibly a thyroid cancer reoccurrence.Antibodies to thyroglobulin may decrease with time after total thyroidectomy. They may also make it more challenging to monitor thyroglobulin levels as an indicator of thyroid cancer recurrence.Signs of Hashimoto’s DiseaseWhy Would You Need a Thyroglobulin Antibody Test?Thyroid antibodies are destructive to the thyroglobulin protein, so your healthcare provider may order a thyroglobulin antibody test to gain a clearer understanding of what could be causing you to feel unwell. Symptoms that could indicate a possible underactive thyroid condition include:FatigueDry skin, hair, and nailsWeight gainDigestive problems (especially constipation)Constantly feeling coldMenstrual irregularitiesDepressionDecreased sweatingForgetfulness or brain fogJoint or muscle painSymptoms that may indicate an overactive thyroid include:Fatigue (can be present when the thyroid is under or overactive)Feeling weakUnexplained weight lossFeelings of anxiousness, anxiety, or irritabilityIncreased sweatingHeat intoleranceRapid heart rate or changes in heart rhythmFeeling shakyOther Thyroid Blood TestsThe thyroglobulin antibody test may be ordered in conjunction with otherthyroid blood tests, includingThyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)T4 hormone (also known as thyroxine)T3 hormone (also known as triiodothyronine)Thyroid Blood Tests: Types and What Results MeanBefore the TestBe sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medications, herbs, and supplements (including over-the-counter ones) you’re taking.Since this test measures thyroid antibodies and can be done in conjunction with other thyroid tests, your healthcare provider may ask you to stop taking medications and supplements that could alter your thyroid levels. Examples include, among others, thyroid replacement therapies, steroids, heart medications, and biotin.Your healthcare provider will provide you with specific instructions for taking this blood test, but you will most likely need to avoid eating and drinking for several hours (or overnight) before having your blood drawn.On the day of the test, wear a short-sleeve shirt or something with sleeves you can roll or pull up, which will allow for access to the veins in your arms.Also, be sure to bring your insurance card and a form of identification with you so that the healthcare facility can bill your insurance carrier.Keep in mind thatreimbursement for testingvaries among insurance companies. You may need to speak to your carrier to determine if you need pre-approval for a thyroglobulin antibody test.Factors That Can Affect Thyroid Test ResultsDuring the TestIf you’ve had your blood drawn before, this test will be very similar to a traditional blood draw.At most labs, you’ll be seated in a chair with one arm resting in front of you to draw the blood. The lab technician, nurse, or another healthcare provider will wrap an elastic band around your arm to temporarily restrict blood flow and locate a vein. Then, they will disinfect the area with alcohol using an alcohol swab or pad.Next, the needle will be inserted into your arm, and a tube that collects the blood sample will be placed at the base of the syringe. Once enough blood is drawn for the test, the lab technician will loosen the elastic band, remove the needle, and place a bandage over the insertion site.After the TestAfter the test, your healthcare provider will let you know when it’s okay to resume eating and taking your medications. Your arm may feel a bit sore where the blood was taken, but it should go away in a day or two. Otherwise, you can usually go back to your normal activities and await any specific follow-up instructions from your healthcare provider.Interpreting the ResultsThe reference range for the tests can differ from one lab to another.However, if no antibodies are found in your blood, this is considered a negative and normal test result.But if your test is positive, meaning antibodies were present in your blood, this could indicate there’s a problem with your thyroid glands such as hypothyroidism, Grave’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or another condition.Be sure to speak to your healthcare professional, who can help you understand your results and any underlying health issues.How is Hashimoto’s Disease Diagnosed?Risks and ContraindicationsThe risks associated with a thyroglobulin antibody test are considered minimal and are comparable to those of other blood tests you might have had done before. Occasionally, your healthcare provider or technician can have some difficulties getting a sample on the first try because some veins can be hard to locate, or may shift positions during the draw.In a circumstance like this, the needle would need to be inserted another time to obtain a sample. Additionally, you may experience mild pain, bruising, or a stinging sensation at the insertion of the needle, but the discomfort should subside quickly.If you are prone to feeling faint or lightheaded whenever your blood is taken, feel free to tell your nurse or technician so that you can remain seated in the chair for a few extra minutes or have the blood test done in a lying position.SummaryA thyroglobulin antibody test looks for antibodies against a protein called thyroblobulin. The presence of these antibodies could mean you have an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid, such as Hashimoto’s disease or Grave’s disease.This test involves drawing blood and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. It is often done alongside other tests such as a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test.How to Find a Healthcare Provider for Thyroid Conditions
A thyroglobulin antibody test measures antibodies against thyroglobulin, a protein found in thyroid cells. In people with an autoimmune thyroid condition, the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack this protein as if it were an invader.
A thyroglobulin antibody test may be performed if your healthcare provider suspects you have a thyroid condition. The test might be ordered along with other thyroid tests such as a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test.
This article discusses the thyroglobulin antibody test, why it is done, and what its results can tell you.
dardespot / Getty Images
What Is a Thyroglobulin Antibody Test For?
Your healthcare provider may order a thyroglobulin antibody test if they think you have a thyroid condition. This test is also called an antithyroglobulin antibody test or thyroid antibody test. If the test finds antithyroglobulin antibodies in your bloodstream, it’s an indication that you may have an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid,
The test looks for antibodies against thyroglobulin, a protein that helps your thyroid synthesize T4 and the active T3 form of thyroid hormones. These hormones play an important role in your body’s metabolism, growth, and development.
Autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid include:
Thyroglobulin antibodies are also useful in monitoring thyroid cancer patients after the removal of the thyroid gland. The presence of antibodies after a thyroidectomy may mean there’s new thyroid tissue growing, and possibly a thyroid cancer reoccurrence.
Antibodies to thyroglobulin may decrease with time after total thyroidectomy. They may also make it more challenging to monitor thyroglobulin levels as an indicator of thyroid cancer recurrence.
Signs of Hashimoto’s Disease
Why Would You Need a Thyroglobulin Antibody Test?
Thyroid antibodies are destructive to the thyroglobulin protein, so your healthcare provider may order a thyroglobulin antibody test to gain a clearer understanding of what could be causing you to feel unwell. Symptoms that could indicate a possible underactive thyroid condition include:
Symptoms that may indicate an overactive thyroid include:
Other Thyroid Blood TestsThe thyroglobulin antibody test may be ordered in conjunction with otherthyroid blood tests, includingThyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)T4 hormone (also known as thyroxine)T3 hormone (also known as triiodothyronine)
Other Thyroid Blood Tests
The thyroglobulin antibody test may be ordered in conjunction with otherthyroid blood tests, includingThyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)T4 hormone (also known as thyroxine)T3 hormone (also known as triiodothyronine)
The thyroglobulin antibody test may be ordered in conjunction with otherthyroid blood tests, including
Thyroid Blood Tests: Types and What Results Mean
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medications, herbs, and supplements (including over-the-counter ones) you’re taking.
Since this test measures thyroid antibodies and can be done in conjunction with other thyroid tests, your healthcare provider may ask you to stop taking medications and supplements that could alter your thyroid levels. Examples include, among others, thyroid replacement therapies, steroids, heart medications, and biotin.
Your healthcare provider will provide you with specific instructions for taking this blood test, but you will most likely need to avoid eating and drinking for several hours (or overnight) before having your blood drawn.
On the day of the test, wear a short-sleeve shirt or something with sleeves you can roll or pull up, which will allow for access to the veins in your arms.
Also, be sure to bring your insurance card and a form of identification with you so that the healthcare facility can bill your insurance carrier.
Keep in mind thatreimbursement for testingvaries among insurance companies. You may need to speak to your carrier to determine if you need pre-approval for a thyroglobulin antibody test.
Factors That Can Affect Thyroid Test Results
If you’ve had your blood drawn before, this test will be very similar to a traditional blood draw.
At most labs, you’ll be seated in a chair with one arm resting in front of you to draw the blood. The lab technician, nurse, or another healthcare provider will wrap an elastic band around your arm to temporarily restrict blood flow and locate a vein. Then, they will disinfect the area with alcohol using an alcohol swab or pad.
Next, the needle will be inserted into your arm, and a tube that collects the blood sample will be placed at the base of the syringe. Once enough blood is drawn for the test, the lab technician will loosen the elastic band, remove the needle, and place a bandage over the insertion site.
After the test, your healthcare provider will let you know when it’s okay to resume eating and taking your medications. Your arm may feel a bit sore where the blood was taken, but it should go away in a day or two. Otherwise, you can usually go back to your normal activities and await any specific follow-up instructions from your healthcare provider.
Interpreting the Results
The reference range for the tests can differ from one lab to another.
However, if no antibodies are found in your blood, this is considered a negative and normal test result.
But if your test is positive, meaning antibodies were present in your blood, this could indicate there’s a problem with your thyroid glands such as hypothyroidism, Grave’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or another condition.Be sure to speak to your healthcare professional, who can help you understand your results and any underlying health issues.
How is Hashimoto’s Disease Diagnosed?
Risks and Contraindications
The risks associated with a thyroglobulin antibody test are considered minimal and are comparable to those of other blood tests you might have had done before. Occasionally, your healthcare provider or technician can have some difficulties getting a sample on the first try because some veins can be hard to locate, or may shift positions during the draw.
In a circumstance like this, the needle would need to be inserted another time to obtain a sample. Additionally, you may experience mild pain, bruising, or a stinging sensation at the insertion of the needle, but the discomfort should subside quickly.
If you are prone to feeling faint or lightheaded whenever your blood is taken, feel free to tell your nurse or technician so that you can remain seated in the chair for a few extra minutes or have the blood test done in a lying position.
Summary
A thyroglobulin antibody test looks for antibodies against a protein called thyroblobulin. The presence of these antibodies could mean you have an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid, such as Hashimoto’s disease or Grave’s disease.
This test involves drawing blood and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. It is often done alongside other tests such as a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test.
How to Find a Healthcare Provider for Thyroid Conditions
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fröhlich E, Wahl R.Thyroid autoimmunity: Role of anti-thyroid antibodies in thyroid and extra-thyroidal diseases.Front Immunol. 2017;8:521. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2017.00521Elshair HS, Zeid MH, Deghady AA, Essa BY, Bondok ME.Prevalence of thyroid disorder in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and patients with lupus nephritis.J Egypt Soc Nephrol Transplant. 2023;23(2):60-7. doi:10.4103/jesnt.jesnt_6_22InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Underactive thyroid: Overview.De leo S, Lee SY, Braverman LE.Hyperthyroidism.Lancet. 2016;388(10047):906-918. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)00278-6Additional ReadingInstitute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.How does the thyroid gland work?Medline Plus.Antithyroglobulin antibody test.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Fröhlich E, Wahl R.Thyroid autoimmunity: Role of anti-thyroid antibodies in thyroid and extra-thyroidal diseases.Front Immunol. 2017;8:521. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2017.00521Elshair HS, Zeid MH, Deghady AA, Essa BY, Bondok ME.Prevalence of thyroid disorder in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and patients with lupus nephritis.J Egypt Soc Nephrol Transplant. 2023;23(2):60-7. doi:10.4103/jesnt.jesnt_6_22InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Underactive thyroid: Overview.De leo S, Lee SY, Braverman LE.Hyperthyroidism.Lancet. 2016;388(10047):906-918. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)00278-6Additional ReadingInstitute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.How does the thyroid gland work?Medline Plus.Antithyroglobulin antibody test.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Fröhlich E, Wahl R.Thyroid autoimmunity: Role of anti-thyroid antibodies in thyroid and extra-thyroidal diseases.Front Immunol. 2017;8:521. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2017.00521Elshair HS, Zeid MH, Deghady AA, Essa BY, Bondok ME.Prevalence of thyroid disorder in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and patients with lupus nephritis.J Egypt Soc Nephrol Transplant. 2023;23(2):60-7. doi:10.4103/jesnt.jesnt_6_22InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Underactive thyroid: Overview.De leo S, Lee SY, Braverman LE.Hyperthyroidism.Lancet. 2016;388(10047):906-918. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)00278-6
Fröhlich E, Wahl R.Thyroid autoimmunity: Role of anti-thyroid antibodies in thyroid and extra-thyroidal diseases.Front Immunol. 2017;8:521. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2017.00521
Elshair HS, Zeid MH, Deghady AA, Essa BY, Bondok ME.Prevalence of thyroid disorder in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and patients with lupus nephritis.J Egypt Soc Nephrol Transplant. 2023;23(2):60-7. doi:10.4103/jesnt.jesnt_6_22
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Underactive thyroid: Overview.
De leo S, Lee SY, Braverman LE.Hyperthyroidism.Lancet. 2016;388(10047):906-918. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)00278-6
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.How does the thyroid gland work?Medline Plus.Antithyroglobulin antibody test.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.How does the thyroid gland work?
Medline Plus.Antithyroglobulin antibody test.
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