Thyroid Antibodies

Also known as: TPO; Thyroid Peroxidase

Autoantibodies directed against thyroid peroxidase (TPO) in thyroid microsomes are the most important autoantibodies detected in the serum of patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. The presence of thyroid antibodies correlates very closely with lymphocyte infiltration in the thyroid gland characteristic of autoimmune thyroiditis. These antibodies are present in:

• 60% of cases of Graves' disease
• 90% of cases of Hasimoto's thyroiditis (high titre)
• 80% of cases of primary myxoedema

Low titre anti-TPO antibodies maybe found in thyroid carcinoma, transiently in post-viral thyroiditis and rarely in colloid goitre. Persistently high thyroid antibodies predict the onset of hypothyroidism.

Specimen requirements

Serum 1ml

Cost

Price on application

Laboratory turnaround time

3 days

Laboratory method

Immunocap automated Enzyme Immunoassay

Reference range/units

>100 IU/ml = Positive

60-100 IU/ml = Equivocal

60IU/ml = Negative

Associated tests

Thyroid Stimulatory Receptor Antibodies

Sample stability

2 months at 2-8ºC

Shipping and storage

UK and Ireland

Ambient temperature and first class post. Hays DX users please enquire via email below.

International

Ambient temperature if courier will deliver within 72 hours otherwise consider refrigerated transport. Freezing is not a requirement.

Ensure delivery Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30.

Further information and contact details

For further information, email immunology.office@nhs.net