peroxidase antibody level; 22 (0-60). What does this mean please?

Since reading about so many of the issues on this site I'm much clearer about so many things that have helped me manage my hypo condition. But there's one set of figures I don't understand. What does having a pal of 22 actually mean? Can anyone explain? Thank you...

[helvella Administrator]

Most people who have a Thyroid Peroxidase antibody test get a result that is above zero. That probably means that they have a few TPOab floating around, but I guess it could be due to imperfections in the test, etc.

So instead of setting the limit at zero (i.e. if your result is not zero it is positive), they have a small range (zero to 60 in this case) which is regarded as negative. Sometimes it is shown as a range - 0-60, sometimes as a lower limit >60. Means the same.

Most people who are positive have a result of at least several hundred. We see very few results that are, say 55 or 65 or 70. We do see quite a few which are like yours - well in the negative range.

The meaning is that you probably do not have Hashimoto's (apparently the cause of around 80% of the hypothyroidism in the UK). Like me!

It is possible to be positive for Thyroglobulin antibodies even when negative for TPOab. But most people who are positive for TGab are also positive for TPOab.

Rod

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

Good Morning Rod!

Ah thank you so much for explaining this. I was very unclear about the interpretation of these figures.

Now I'm a bit lost on Thyroglobulin and its role in all of this and will research further. Always so many tiny bits to the equation!

Liza

[helvella Administrator in reply to Hidden]

TPO and TG are substances which should normally be confined to the interior of the thyroid.

If they escape into the bloodstream, the immune system creates antibodies to mop them up.

This occurs when lymphocytes attack the thyroid and allow the contents of the follicles to escape. But can also occur after physical injury to the thyroid - e.g. surgery.

Do not mix up TG and Thyroid Binding Globulin which is a normal component of blood. Lots of people do including many who should know better.

Rod

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

That makes things clearer - thanks! I don't think I've been tested for TG. Good to know it's unlikely that I have Hashimotos, going by those results.

Can you be my GP? Shall I join the Q?

[helvella Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Because *most* people TGab also have TPOab many labs only do TPOab.

I am simply an ignorant hypothyroid person. No medical qualifications whatsoever. So I wouldn't have myself for a GP!

But maybe I have spent longer reading up thyroid things than the average GP? Their wider knowledge and experience does actually count for something. I am always concerned that we are too thyroid-focussed and likely to miss non-thyroid issues.

Rod

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

Yes it's good to be aware that there could be other issues and it's not all about the thyroid! I have been getting on well with my medical centre recently so I'm not really looking to change!

Have a lovely day