TSH Receptor Antibody (TRAb) Test: Purpose, Procedure, Cost and Result

The TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) Antibody Receptor test is a blood test that helps study the functioning of the thyroid gland. But let us first understand the thyroid, its functions, and thyroid antibodies.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that sits in the front of your neck, below your Adam's Apple. It is a gland that produces hormones that play a vital role in controlling your body's functioning and metabolism. The thyroid gland produces two hormones, namely,

• T3, or triiodothyronine
• T4, or thyroxine

The working of the thyroid gland is supervised by the pituitary gland located below the brain, in the centre of your skull. This gland controls the release of the thyroid hormone in the blood. When the pituitary gland senses a change in the level of thyroid hormones in the body, it releases the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), which stimulates the thyroid to help it back to normalcy. 

Sometimes, the thyroid produces either more T4 and T3 hormones or too little. This malfunctioning of the thyroid gland can affect your body in many ways, like

• Hyperthyroidism: When the thyroid gland is overactive and makes excess thyroid hormone. In such a condition, the body uses up energy quickly, which can cause unexplained weight loss, nervousness, and a faster heartbeat. 
• Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid gland is underactive and doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. This condition leads to tiredness, unexplained weight gain, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold temperatures. 

What are Thyroid Antibodies?

Antibodies are the army that fights harmful germs and viruses to protect our bodies from infections. Thyroid antibodies are proteins made by the lymphocytes in the thyroid gland. 

Although antibodies protect us from viruses and bacteria, they may attack the healthy cells in the body. When antibodies attack the healthy cells in the thyroid, it leads to an autoimmune thyroid disorder. 

What is the Purpose of the TSH Receptor Antibody Test?

A TSH Receptor Antibody test is advised if you have symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland. These could be caused due to an autoimmune disorder known as Graves' disease. 

Symptoms of Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism) are:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Exhaustion
• Sleeplessness
• Muscle weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Sensitivity to heat
• Anxiety
• Goiter (a lump in the front of the neck caused due to an enlarged thyroid)
• Vision problems

How to Prepare for a TSH Antibody Receptor Test?

A TSH Antibody Receptor test is a simple blood test. 

During the test, your laboratory technician will insert a needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample will be sent to the laboratory for analysis. 

You may feel a slight pain where the needle is inserted, but it is temporary. The bruise from the needle prick will also go away in a couple of days.

What Do the Results of a TSH Antibody Receptor Test Mean?

The TSH Receptor Antibody Range is 1.75 IU/I - 0.30 - 40 IU/I

You may have an autoimmune disorder if the test results exceed the TSH Antibody Receptor test normal range. Your doctor will recommend further tests and medical treatment depending on your test results. 

How Much Does a TSH Antibody Receptor Test Cost?

It is advisable to do the TSH Antibody Receptor test at a trustworthy laboratory that employs the latest techniques and a quick process. The thyroid test can be done at the Metropolis Healthcare Lab, India, at Rs. 380/-. 

What are the Other Tests to Identify Thyroid Antibodies?

The thyroid antibodies tests are:

• Thyroid peroxidase antibodies
• Thyroglobulin antibodies
• Thyroid receptor antibodies

Apart from these blood tests, your doctor may also recommend a thyroid scan, which is an ultrasound. This imaging test helps your doctor observe the size and shape of your thyroid gland and any growths on the gland. 

Your doctor may also conduct a physical exam of your thyroid by feeling your neck for any growths or changes in the size of your thyroid gland.

Treatment for Thyroid Disease

The treatment options for hyperthyroidism include:

• Anti-thyroid medications that control your thyroid from making hormones
• Radioactive iodine damages the cells of your thyroid and prevents it from producing a high level of the thyroid hormones
• Beta-blockers that help manage your symptoms
• A thyroidectomy (surgery) to remove the thyroid

How to Prevent Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism can't be prevented. You can manage the condition with timely treatment and cope with its symptoms by following a healthy diet and lifestyle.

1. Follow a low-iodine diet: As iodine is vital for the thyroid hormone, a diet low in iodine helps reduce the hormones. The best way to follow a diet low in iodine is to use non-iodized salt. In addition to this, incorporate the following foods into your daily diet:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Oats
• Potatoes
• Egg whites
• Honey
• Unsalted nuts
• Freshwater fish

1. Include more vitamins and mineral-rich foods: To balance the production of thyroid hormone, include these foods:

• Iron: Green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains, lentils, dried beans, and poultry.
• Selenium: Rice, oat bran, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, poultry, and mushrooms
• Zinc: Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews, mushrooms, lamb
• Calcium: Spinach, lady fingers, almond milk, calcium-fortified cereals
• Vitamin D: Mushrooms, fatty fish, vitamin D-fortified cereals
• Healthy fats: Coconut oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, avocado, and unsalted nuts

1. Avoid foods with high iodine:

• Iodized salt
• Seafood, such as fish, crabs, prawns
• Milk and milk products
• Egg yolks
• Soy
• Cheese
• Coffee, tea, chocolate, and caffeinated beverages

1. Follow an exercise regimen:

Exercising is essential for your overall health and well-being. For those with an overactive thyroid gland, exercising regularly helps maintain a healthy weight. It helps improve your heart health and keeps lifestyle diseases at bay. Exercising keeps anxiety in check and thus improves your mental health. 

Summing up

The thyroid gland produces the thyroid hormone. This hormone decides how well the body uses energy. An overactive thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormone and causes hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease is an autoimmune thyroid disorder and is a common cause of hyperthyroidism. TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) Receptor Antibody test is a blood test that helps detect this disorder. Medical treatment, a healthy diet low in iodine, and regular exercise help you manage the symptoms of Graves' disease and live a healthy life.