GP notes on TPO

[Bubble-trouble11]

Good morning

I have seen my GP notes on my TPO results. She has put some normal even though my TPO number was 800 IU/ml ? Should this not be abnormal surely ? A bit confused

[tattybogle]

Your TSH result (and fT4 result ) is now within range ie. 'normal' .....so that is what the comment will refer to.

your TPOab is positive and confirms the cause of your hypothyroidism is autoimmune .. which is obviously not 'normal' ... but it is to be expected because most hypothyroidism is caused by this.

Once doctors have confirmed the cause of your hypothyroidism is autoimmune, they tend not to retest TPOab , or to comment any further on TPOab levels. they have what they need .. an explanation .....so they don't need to monitor it, or comment further.

So this may be why they have written 'normal ' ..because they are commenting on TSH / fT4 levels .. not TPOab .

[Bubble-trouble11 in reply to tattybogle]

That makes sense - thank you

[helvella Administrator]

I suggest this is yet another inappropriate use of the word "normal".

Imagine someone has a TPOab test which came back as 779. Then has another which comes back as 800.

I can readily see that they might regard 800 following 779 being "as expected", or at least, "in line with previous result". Therefore, they might think of it as "normal for this patient in this context".

I don't think the word "normal" is appropriate. I don't like this sort of thing. But it might not actually be at all sinister, nor impact on your treatment. Let me say this, I hope that is an explanation!

[Bubble-trouble11 in reply to helvella]

Thank you! Yes, I agree - it annoyed me when I saw it.