Anti Thyroglobulin Antibody Test

The Anti Thyroglobulin Antibody test is done to measure the antibodies known as thyroglobulin, a protein that is found in the thyroid cells in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped gland situated in the lower front of the neck and is responsible for making T3 and T4 hormones. These two hormones help in controlling your metabolism that is used in providing energy to your body. This test helps in diagnosing thyroid issues, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroid disease.

Generally, you will be told to withhold eating and drinking several hours before the test, usually over night is suggested. Your doctor will want to observe your condition and if you are on any medication, you might be told to stop taking it, as it may hinder the results of the test. Do not stop any medicine without your doctor's consent. Other points to remember are: Wear a T-shirt or a short sleeved shirt so it will be easy for you, especially the technician, who will be able to draw blood easily. Twelve hours before you have to get your blood test done, do not take any dietary supplement that contains vitamin B7 (commonly found in nail, hair and skin supplements), biotin or multivitamins, unless allowed by your technician.

The main reason for this test is to verify if you are suffering from any thyroid related issues. If Antithyroglobulin antibodies are found, this is considered as a thyroid gland damage that is caused by your immune system. This test is also important for patients who have overcome thyroid cancer. By measuring your thyroglobulin antibody levels, the technician can confirm if any possibility lies in recurrence thyroid cancer possibilities. The other disease that can be verified by getting anti thyroglobulin antibodies test done are: Postpartum Thyroiditis Graves Disease Neonatal Hypothyroidism

A health technician will first clean the skin by using an antiseptic and then tie a tourniquet or band on the upper part of your arm and apply pressure that will cause swelling on the arm as blood begins to collect. Then the technician will take a syringe and insert into your veins. Usually it's on the back of the hand or inside the elbow area. Then the technician will draw the required amount of blood that is needed for the test. On removing the syringe, the technician will apply a bandage on the area the syringe is removed from to stop any bleeding. This entire process barely takes few minutes.