what is a microsomal tpo antibody test?
An antithyroid microsomal antibody test or a tpo test is also called a thyroid peroxidase test, and it measures the level of antithyroid microsomal antibodies in your blood. What is tpo? Thyroperoxidase is an enzyme which is involved in the thyroid hormone synthesis. The microsomal antibody test helps monitor autoimmune thyroid diseases and helps analyse the particular specimen or form of thyroiditis. It also detects the causes of goitre and other thyroid dysfunctions.
why do i need microsomal tpo antibody test?
If you are suffering from one or the below-mentioned symptoms, then chances are there could be a thyroid dysfunction.
• Rapid heart rate
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Intolerance to cold
• Excess sweating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Protruding eyes
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Fatigue Goiter
what other tests might i have along with microsomal tpo antibody test?
Once the results are in, the doctor will advise you on any other tests that may be necessary upon diagnosis of a condition.
what do my test results mean?
This type of blood test, which will determine the anti tpo normal range or if there is an issue will take not more than a week. The doctor will be able to explain the results to you. A test that comes back as negative for the antimicrosomal antibody /antithyroid microsomal antibodies is a normal result. You can expect the test results in 24-26 hours.
However, if you have an autoimmune disease or a thyroid problem, then your microsomal antibody may rise. If the anti tpo test comes out positive, here are the possible conditions
1. Grave’s disease- An autoimmune disorder in which the thyroid gland is overactive
2. Hashimoto Thyroiditis- Is swelling of the thyroid due to reduced function
3. Subacute thyroiditis is again a swelling of the gland that can result in an upper respiratory infection
4. Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia is a dip in the red blood cells due to increased destruction of the immune system
If women have higher levels of tpo antibodies, then they are at a higher risk of
- Premature birth
- Difficulty with IVF
Sometimes there are possibilities of false positive and false negative results, which can be a result of being on certain medications. Make sure you follow the doctor’s orders while taking the test. An anti tpo test cost is reasonable and available at most clinics and hospitals.
how is microsomal tpo antibody test done?
First of all, you need to understand what is microsomal antibody. It is the microsomes which are found inside thyroid cells. The body produces antibodies to the microsomes when there is damage to the thyroid cells. This anti tpo antibodies test is a blood test where a sample is collected through the vein by using an injection. The sample collected is then sent to the lab for diagnosis.
does microsomal tpo antibody test pose any risk?
There are very few risks of anti tpo antibody test. Some of the risks associated with any blood test such as pain during insertion of the needle, bruising which will disappear in a week and some lightheadedness could occur.
what might affect my test results?
If you are on certain medications, sometimes the test results could be false positive or negative.
Specimen type: Serum (Blood Sample),
Specimen collection procedure: Venipuncture (Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm)
how do i prepare for microsomal tpo antibody test?
You do not need to fast anti tpo test. But be sure to inform your doctor of any medication, drugs or herbal supplements you may be taking before you go in for the test.
Understanding results ofMicrosomal (TPO) antibody
|Upto 5.61 IU/mL||Normal|
‘*A Reference range is a set of values which helps the healthcare professional to interpret a medical test. It may vary with age, gender, and other factors. Reference ranges may also vary between labs, in value & units depending on instruments used and method of establishment of reference ranges’
If you have one or more of the symptoms mentioned above you may be suffering from thyroid issues. It is always advisable to take the tpo test and get the anti tpo antibodies treatment if the diagnosis turns out to be positive.