Thyroid Antibodies

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Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-21 (EDT)

See Also Lab Tests

This test is used to help diagnose and monitor autoimmune thyroid diseases and to distinguish these from other forms of thyroiditis. It is usually conducted when a patient presents with a goiter and/or when other thyroid tests, such as T3, T4, and TSH indicate thyroid dysfunction.[1], [2]


Discussion

  • Thyroid antibody testing may be ordered to help determine the cause of a goiter and/or may be performed as a follow-up when other thyroid test results show signs of thyroid dysfunction.
  • One or more of these tests may also be ordered if a person with a known non-thyroid-related autoimmune condition, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or pernicious anemia, develops symptoms that suggest thyroid involvement.

Patient Preparation

  • No preparation is required.

Clinical Implications

High levels indicate:

Associated Tests

References

  1. Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J (2006) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby.
  2. Weatherby Dicken, Ferguson Scott (2002) Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective, Bear Mountain.