Lab test · Endocrinology
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (Anti-TPO)
Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 2 days
- Home collection
What this test is for
Autoimmune thyroid disease
Anti-TPO antibodies are made by the immune system against thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme the thyroid uses to make its hormones. They are the most common sign of autoimmune thyroid disease, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid. They are found in most people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a common cause of an underactive thyroid, and in many people with Graves' disease.
Why a doctor may order it
- To find the cause of an underactive thyroid or a raised TSH
- To help judge whether a borderline thyroid result is likely to turn into an underactive thyroid
- To look into a swollen thyroid (goitre)
- Before or during pregnancy in women with thyroid problems or a strong family history of them
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
There is no need to fast or change your routine before this test. Keep taking any thyroid medicine or other medicines as usual unless your doctor says otherwise.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- The home collector draws a small blood sample from a vein in your arm, which takes a few minutes. If TSH or thyroid hormones are also requested, they can usually be measured from the same visit.
- Report
- Within 2 days of collection.
What the results can mean
A positive or raised anti-TPO result shows that the immune system is targeting the thyroid, which supports Hashimoto's thyroiditis or another autoimmune thyroid condition. Some people have positive antibodies with normal thyroid function; they have a higher chance of developing an underactive thyroid later, so doctors may check TSH from time to time. A negative result makes autoimmune thyroid disease less likely but does not rule it out. Your doctor will interpret the result with your thyroid hormone levels.
What's included
One test: Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (Anti-TPO), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb)Autoimmune thyroid disease৳550
- 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
- Free Thyroid Profile (FT3, FT4, TSH)This profile measures three thyroid tests from one blood sample: TSH, the pituitary hormone that controls the thyroid, and the free forms of the two thyroid hormones, T4 and T3.
- Free Triiodothyronine (Free T3)Thyroid function৳500
Questions people ask
What does a positive anti-TPO test mean?
It means your immune system is making antibodies against your thyroid. This is common in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, and it is also found in some people whose thyroid is still working normally.
Do I need treatment if only anti-TPO is positive?
Not usually because of the antibodies alone. Treatment decisions depend mainly on TSH, thyroid hormone levels and your symptoms, which your doctor will review.
Does anti-TPO need to be repeated?
Usually not often. The antibody level does not guide treatment, so doctors generally follow TSH and thyroid hormone levels over time instead.
Is anti-TPO important in pregnancy?
Positive antibodies can mean the thyroid may struggle to keep up with the extra demands of pregnancy, so your doctor may check your thyroid function more often.
How much does a Anti-TPO test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳830, 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-TPO 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-TPO report take?
The report is usually ready within 2 days of the sample being collected.