This test measures levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (also known as thyrotropin receptor antibodies and TSH receptor antibodies).
It detects the presence of thyroid antibodies associated with hyperthyroidism and is an important part of a full thyroid package for someone with symptoms of thyroid problems.
Read more about the TR-ak blood test.
Thyroid antibody tests are primarily ordered to help diagnose autoimmune hyperactive thyroid disease and to distinguish it from other forms of thyroid dysfunction.
When someone has an autoimmune condition, their 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.
Trak is a method for measuring TSH-receptor antibodies. This test is ordered when a person has hyperthyroidism, to see if the cause of the elevated thyroid function is an autoimmune disease (Grave’s disease).
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.
This test requires a blood draw, which can be done at your local clinic. It will be analysed by an accredited lab, such as Karolinska, Aleris or Unilabs. The first results are usually available within 48h.
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.