A thyroid function blood test with antibodies, also known as a thyroid panel with antibody tests, is a complete collection of blood tests that includes tests for particular thyroid antibodies as well as thyroid hormone levels.
A thyroid function test with antibodies comprises the following measurements:
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): TSH is a pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to create thyroid hormones. TSH levels that are elevated may suggest an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), whereas TSH levels that are low may indicate an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Free Thyroxine (FT4): FT4 is the active form of thyroid hormone since it is not attached to proteins. It aids in the regulation of metabolism and energy production in the body.
Free triiodothyronine (FT3) is an active type of thyroid hormone that influences metabolism, energy production, and other biological activities.
Thyroid Antibodies:
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO Antibodies): These antibodies attack the thyroid peroxidase enzyme, which is involved in thyroid hormone synthesis. TPO antibody levels are commonly elevated in autoimmune thyroid illnesses such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TG Antibodies): These antibodies target thyroglobulin, a protein involved in thyroid hormone production. Thyroid autoimmune diseases can be related with elevated TG antibody levels.
Is it for me?
The thyroid function blood test with antibodies is used for a variety of applications, including:
Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders Diagnosis: Thyroid antibodies, such as TPO and TG antibodies, suggest autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease.
Differentiating Thyroid illnesses: Antibody testing aid in the differentiation of various thyroid illnesses by identifying the underlying immune response.
Individuals with autoimmune thyroid disorders frequently have their antibody levels and thyroid hormone levels tested to track illness progression and response to treatment.
Thyroid Dysfunction Prediction: Elevated antibody levels may suggest a future risk of developing thyroid dysfunction, even if hormone levels are currently within the normal range.