Anti TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) Antibody
Anti TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) Antibody
Enzyme thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is normally found in the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland found in the neck region. TPO plays a vital role in the production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormone is important for maintaining the body’s weight, body temperature, muscle strength, and overall mood.
A TPO test detects antibodies against this thyroid peroxidase enzyme in the blood. Your healthcare provider may suggest this test if you have been diagnosed with thyroid disease. If you test positive for TPO antibodies, it means that the cause of your thyroid problems could be due to autoimmune disorders such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s disease.
Thus, a TPO antibody test is essential to detecting thyroid-related autoimmune disease and its management.
Anti TPO Antibody test is also known as Thyroid peroxidase, TPO, Thyroid-stimulating antibodies, Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins, TSI.\
Symptoms of Graves’ disease
Weight loss
Tremors
Anxiety
Swollen thyroid (Goiter)
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease
Weight gain
Fatigue
Hair loss
Depression
Joint pain
Test preparation
This test does not require any special preparation.
Interpretation of the Test Results
Negative test result: A negative test result means that the individual does not have anti TPO antibodies in the body. In other words, he or she does not have that condition (Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s disease).
Positive test result: If TPO (Thyroid peroxidase) and/or Tg (Thyroglobulin) antibodies were found, it may mean that the person is suffering from Hashimoto’s disease. Most people with this disorder have high levels of one or both of these types of antibodies in their blood. Similarly, a person with antibodies to TPO and/or TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) receptor, may have Graves’ disease
FAQs
What is the process of sample collection?
This test requires a small amount of blood, which is taken from a vein in the arm using a small, fine needle. Generally, the entire process is completed in a few minutes
Is there any risk associated with this test?
No, this test does not involve any associated risks. However, one may experience slight swelling or bruising around the site of needle insertion, which normally subsides within a couple of minutes
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for this test?
The result of this test can be obtained within 36 hours from the time of sample collection. However, it might get delayed sometimes.
Why is it important for a pregnant woman to undergo this test?
During pregnancy, thyroid diseases can worsen and harm both the mother and her fetus. So, it is important for a pregnant woman to undergo this test to check for thyroid antibodies, along with other tests that measure thyroid hormones in the blood
Can a person have high anti TPO levels and normal TSH and T4 values?
If a person has high anti TPO but normal TSH and T4 values, it means that he or she is likely to have Hashimoto’s disease but does not suffer from hypothyroidism. In such cases, the thyroid gland is still functioning normally
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