This test measures levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies - also known as TPO-AB. It detects the presence of thyroid antibodies usually associated with hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone production) and is an important part of a full thyroid panel for someone with symptoms of thyroid problems.
Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and the most common thyroid disorder.
Read more about the TPO antibody Blood Test.
Thyroid antibody tests are primarily ordered to help detect an autoimmune thyroid disease and to distinguish it from other forms of thyroid dysfunction. Autoimmune means that the body attacks its own cells.
Thyroid autoantibodies develop when a person's immune system mistakenly targets parts of the thyroid gland or thyroid proteins, leading to chronic inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis), tissue damage, and/or disruption of thyroid function. Many people suffer from autoimmune thyroiditis.
TPO-AB is a method for measuring thyroid peroxidase antibodies. This test is ordered, usually alongside thyroglobulin, when a person has symptoms suggesting hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone production).
If the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, metabolism is reduced.
Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. If you plan to order this test regularly for monitoring purposes, it is best to have it done by the same laboratory each time, using the same methodology.
What happens next?
The lab sends the results to your personal dashboard, with comments from both a doctor and a nutritionist. If results are abnormal, we recommend seeing a doctor and, if appropriate, booking an appointment with a Nordic Wellth nutrition lifestyle specialist.
You may need to make lifestyle and dietary changes.