Synonyms

Thyroid microsomal or peroxidase antibody, TPOAb

Clinical Indications

Thyroid antibody (TAb) is a sensitive marker of immune thyroid damage (which is most extreme in Hashimoto's thyroiditis). Positive TAb indicates a 4-5 fold increase in the likelihood of developing overt hypothyroidism and also indicates an increased chance of post-partum thyroid dysfunction or amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism. 
Thyroid antibody levels do not correlate with degree of thyroid disease and cannot be used to monitor therapy.

Part of Profile

Thyroid Function Tests

Request Form 

Combined Pathology Blood form (Yellow/Black or Blue for GP's)

Availability

On request. TAb is automatically measured on any new cases of compensated hypothyroidism.

Specific Criteria

Assessment of compensated hypothyroidism.

Turnaround Time

Same Day (Monday to Friday)

Specimen

Serum

Volume

0.5 ml

Container

Yellow top (SST) tube

Collection

No specific collection conditions

Causes for Rejection

Unlabelled sample

Reference Range

In compensated (subclinical) hypothyroidism, positive TAb strongly supports a decision to treat with thyroxine. TAb has no role in monitoring thyroid treatment.