Lab test · Endocrinology
Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb)
Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 3 days
- Home collection
What this test is for
Autoimmune thyroid disease
Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) are made by the immune system against thyroglobulin, a protein the thyroid uses to make and store its hormones. They are found in autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, usually alongside anti-TPO antibodies. They are also measured in people who have been treated for thyroid cancer, because they can affect the accuracy of thyroglobulin results.
Why a doctor may order it
- To look for autoimmune thyroid disease, often together with anti-TPO antibodies
- When anti-TPO is negative but autoimmune thyroid disease is still suspected
- Alongside thyroglobulin in people followed up after thyroid cancer treatment
- To look into a swollen thyroid or an unexplained change in thyroid function
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
No fasting or special preparation is needed for this blood test. Carry on with your regular medicines, including thyroid tablets, unless your doctor has asked you to do something different.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- At the home visit, the collector draws a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The tube is labelled with your details and sealed before it leaves your home.
- Report
- Within 3 days of collection.
What the results can mean
A raised level shows that the immune system is reacting against the thyroid, which supports an autoimmune thyroid condition, especially when anti-TPO is also positive. A small number of healthy people have these antibodies without any thyroid problem. In people treated for thyroid cancer, a positive result means thyroglobulin results need careful reading, and a change in antibody level over time can also be informative. Your doctor will interpret the result with your other thyroid tests.
What's included
One test: Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (Anti-TPO)Autoimmune thyroid disease৳830
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)TSH is a hormone made by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.
- Free Thyroxine (Free T4)Free T4 measures thyroxine, the main hormone made by the thyroid gland, in its free form.
- TSH Receptor Antibodies (TRAb)Graves' disease (overactive thyroid)৳2,350
- Thyroid Function Test (T3, T4, TSH)Thyroid function৳1,200
Questions people ask
What is the difference between anti-TPO and anti-thyroglobulin?
Both are antibodies found in autoimmune thyroid disease. Anti-TPO is found more often and is usually the first choice. Anti-thyroglobulin may be added when anti-TPO is negative or in thyroid cancer follow-up.
Is anti-thyroglobulin the same as thyroglobulin?
No. Thyroglobulin is a protein made by thyroid tissue, and anti-thyroglobulin is an antibody against that protein. They are separate tests, although they are often requested together after thyroid cancer treatment.
Why is anti-thyroglobulin checked after thyroid cancer treatment?
Thyroglobulin is used to watch for thyroid cancer returning, and these antibodies can make the thyroglobulin result falsely low. Checking both helps your doctor know how far to rely on the thyroglobulin result.
How much does a Anti-TG test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳550, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the Anti-TG test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the Anti-TG report take?
The report is usually ready within 3 days of the sample being collected.