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Thyroid Antibodies

Also known as: Thyroid autoantibodies; Antithyroid antibodies; Antimicrosomal antibody; Thyroid microsomal antibody; Thyroperoxidase antibody; TPOAb; Anti-TPO; TBII; Antithyroglobulin antibody; TgAb; TSH receptor antibody; TRAb; Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin; TSI
Formal name: Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb); Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb); Thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb)
Related tests: T3; T4; TSH; Thyroglobulin

Common Questions

1.  What can be done to prevent, lower, or get rid of thyroid antibodies?

There are no lifestyle changes or therapies that can prevent or eliminate thyroid antibodies. It is important for patients and their doctors to be aware of the antibodies and to work on minimizing their effects on thyroid function.

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2.  Are thyroid antibodies part of routine testing?

No, they are usually only indicated when a patient has an enlarged thyroid or symptoms suggesting thyroid dysfunction. Routine screening of the thyroid is usually accomplished using thyroid tests such as TSH and T4.

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