Thyroglobulin Antibody

A thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) test is typically recommended for several reasons related to thyroid health. You might need this test if:

1. Evaluating Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders

• The presence of thyroglobulin antibodies suggests an autoimmune thyroid disease, such as:
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (a common cause of hypothyroidism)
  • Graves’ disease (a cause of hyperthyroidism)
• If you have symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, hair thinning, swelling in the neck, or changes in heart rate, your doctor might order this test along with other thyroid function tests.

2. Monitoring Thyroid Cancer Treatment

• For patients treated for thyroid cancer, this test is often done alongside a thyroglobulin test to track cancer recurrence.
• High levels of thyroglobulin antibodies can interfere with thyroglobulin measurements, so checking for them ensures accurate monitoring.

3. Investigating Unexplained Thyroid Symptoms

• If your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or other thyroid hormone levels are abnormal, checking for antibodies helps determine if an autoimmune condition is the cause.

4. Assessing Infertility or Pregnancy-Related Issues

• Thyroid autoimmunity can sometimes contribute to infertility or pregnancy complications, so doctors may check for TgAb in these cases.