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Anti-TG are anti-thyroid antibodies. It is a group of proteins that are produced in the thyroid gland. Anti-TGs target thyroglobulin. The anti-TG test is performed in the diagnosis of goiter in the neck, autoimmune diseases or monitoring the development of thyroid cancer. Check the applicable anti-TG standards.
Anti-TG – indications for the examination
The measurement of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG) is used for the laboratory diagnosis and confirmation of autoimmune thyroid diseases, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, and hypothyroidism in newborns.
Tyroglobulin is a thyroid glycoprotein that plays a role in the synthesis of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). In some types of thyroid disorders, thyroglobulin may leak from the thyroid gland. When released into the bloodstream, it appears as an antigen in the body, causing the immune system to produce antibodies against the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and destruction of the thyroid gland.
Anti-thyroid antibodies are present in most people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Measurement of anti-erythroglobulin antibodies is usually performed in conjunction with testing for antimicrobial (anti-TPO) antibodies. The presence of maternal anti-thyroid antibodies during pregnancy may increase the risk of an underactive or overactive thyroid gland in the fetus or newborn.
Anti-TG antibodies are used as specific markers for certain types of thyroid cancer. The indication for the determination of the anti-TG protein concentration is:
- enlargement of the neck circumference (the appearance of a goiter),
- abnormal concentration of free thyroid hormones -T3 and T4 (mainly increased levels of their concentration, which is an indication of hyperthyroidism),
- pregnancy planning,
- problems with conceiving a child,
- obstetric interview in women for habitual miscarriages.
See: Thyroid nodules – causes, symptoms, treatment methods. Thyroid nodules and cancer
Anti-TG – the course of the study
Testing for anti-TG level does not require any special preparation. The patient does not need to be fasting on the day of the anti-TG antibody determination.
Blood for testing is taken from venous blood, most often from a vein in the arm. The injection site should be disinfected, thanks to which we will avoid contamination of the blood sample being tested.
Taking a blood sample is standard. However, when it comes to determining the level of anti-TG concentration, the test is often performed multiple times. Such an order can be obtained, for example, in the course of treatment of the thyroid gland. In such a case, information should also be provided about the medications taken, the doses of the substances taken, the stage of the disease being treated and the forms of treatment used during the treatment of the underlying disease.
Anty-TG – standard
There are different reference values on the anti-TG result. They will depend on the individual patient. Anti-TG standards also take into account other additional parameters, such as the patient’s age or gender.
The anti-TG test method used also has an influence on the value of the norm. The standard value is 100 IU / ml. Normal anti-TG level is any result below this value. Regardless of the number on the printout, show each anti-TG result to the physician.
Too high levels of anti-TG may indicate various autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland. It may indicate Graves-Basedov’s disease, Hashimoto’s disease, thyroid adenoma, thyroid cancer, and especially papillary or follicular cancer.
If the level of anti-TG concentration increases, it may indicate a relapse of the neoplastic disease.
The absence or low level of anti-TG antibodies or the presence of thyroglobulin indicates the removal of the thyroid gland. By testing the level of anti-TG, we can exclude any remaining glandular tissue and confirm complete removal of the gland.
Also check:
- What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?
- Thyroid neoplasms – types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis. Treatment of thyroid cancer
- New methods of safe thyroid surgery