Thyroid antibodies

[Angelic69]

Hi all, was trying to get hold of my results for thyroid antibodies and was wondering which test would be used and why others would be left out and which one would diagnose which autoimmune disease. I feel a bit confused by it all.

Also Known As Thyroid Autoantibodies Antithyroid Antibodies Antimicrosomal Antibody Thyroid Microsomal Antibody Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Thyroperoxidase Antibody TPO Anti-TPO TBII Antithyroglobulin Antibody TgAb TSH Receptor Antibody TRAb Thyrotropin Receptor Antibodies Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin TSI Formal Name Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody; Thyroglobulin Antibody; Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptor Antibody.

Not sure whether all of these would need to be checked if patient was still symptomatic. Any advice.

[Clutter]

Angelic69,

Most GP practices only test thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab) but some will check thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) too. If they are positive they confirm Hashimoto's which causes 90% of hypothyroidism.

Thyrotopin or TSH Receptor antibodies (TRab) and Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) are antibody tests for Graves disease which causes hyperthyroidism. These tests are rarely done in primary practice and are usually ordered by endocrinologists.

[Angelic69 in reply to Clutter]

Would we have any TgAb antibodies in our bloods if we didn't have Hashimotos. I'm asking because of ranges. Are ranges for Hashimotos/Graves antibodies a detection of the severity of autoimmune disease.

[Clutter in reply to Angelic69]

Angelic69,

You could have TPOab and/or TGab antibodies without having Hashimoto's. It's when they are over range which determines you have autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's).

[Angelic69 in reply to Clutter]

Is there one set value for all or does it depend on weight and age.

[Clutter in reply to Angelic69]

Angelic69,

The value is set by lab analysis machine doing the assay. It's nothing to do with weight and age.

[Angelic69 in reply to Clutter]

Any ideas why the antibodies become a problem and cause disease.

[Clutter in reply to Angelic69]

Angelica69,

No, I think that's a 64,000 dollar question.

[Angelic69 in reply to Clutter]

lol, i thought id ask. Thanks.