Anti TPO Antibody Test

Testing for thyroid antibodies is used to determine whether a patient has autoimmune thyroid disease-related hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. An underactive thyroid gland leads to hypothyroidism, and a hyperactive thyroid gland leads to hyperthyroidism. Additional uses for thyroid antibody testing include the ones listed below -

1. To identify autoimmune diseases like Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
2. Choosing the most effective line of action.
3. To test the likelihood that your mild hypothyroidism will worsen over time.
4. To assess the fetal risk in pregnant women with thyroid disease.
5. To calculate the probability of relapse during Graves' disease therapy.

The TPO antibody test measures the levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies that are targeted against the enzyme thyroid peroxidase. 

TPO antibody test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

Normal levels: no thyroid antibodies were found. This means that symptoms of hypothyroidism are probably not caused by a decrease in TPO.
High values: suggestive of  Hashimoto thyroiditis; these antibodies can also be seen in Grave's disease.

• You could require this test if you experience thyroid-related symptoms and your doctor thinks Hashimoto's or Grave's disease is to blame.
• You might also need this test if results from previous thyroid tests indicate that your thyroid hormone levels are abnormally high or low. These tests include hormone assays for T3, T4, and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

To assist in identifying Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the TPO antibody test is used. If you experience any of the following symptoms, consider getting tested -

1. Fatigue.
2. Irregular menstrual periods.
3. Arid skin.
4. Broken nails.
5. Constipation.
6. Cold sensitivity.
7. Aches and pains in muscles.
8. Depression.
9. Mental haze.

TPO antibody blood test requires no specific preparation. However, consult your healthcare provider for any specific preparations.

The normal range of thyroid peroxidase antibodies is 9.0 IU/mL. All ages are included in the reference values.

Increased thyroid peroxidase antibody levels are frequently linked to thyroid issues, which are recognised to be a contributing factor in infertility.

Graves disease is a disorder of the immune system which leads to hyperthyroidism due to the excess production of thyroid hormones. This can cause bulging of the eyes and goitre (enlargement of the thyroid gland).

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where the immune cells in the body mistakenly attack the cells in the thyroid gland that produce thyroid hormones. This eventually leads to hypothyroidism.

Thyroperoxidase (TPO) is a thyroid hormone-producing enzyme. In certain autoimmune conditions, antibodies against this enzyme are produced by the immune cells and are called TPO antibodies. These antibodies target and destroy the enzymes leading to hypothyroidism. 

Your doctor may also recommend additional thyroid tests, such as tests for,

• Thyroglobulin antibodies.
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
• Free T4 hormone.
• T3 hormone.

• Thyroid autoantibodies.
• Thyroid peroxidase antibody.
• TPO Test
• Anti-TPO antibodies
• Thyroperoxidase (TPO)
• Iodide peroxidase