What are Thyroid Antibodies and what is being tested?
Thyroid Antibody (TgAb and TPO) lab tests detect the presence and measure the quantity of specific thyroid auto-antibodies. The auto-antibodies develop when a persons immune system mistakenly recognizes components of the thyroid as foreign (not-self) and can lead to chronic inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis), tissue damage, and disruption of thyroid function. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that lies flat against the windpipe in the throat. The primary hormones that it produces, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are vital in helping to regulate the rate at which we use energy our metabolism. The body has a feedback system that utilizes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to help turn thyroid hormone production on and off and maintain a stable amount of the thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. When thyroid antibodies interfere with this process, they can lead to chronic conditions and disorders associated with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism
