Anti-TPO – indications, standards, interpretation. What is Anti-TPO? [WE EXPLAIN]

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Anti-TPO is an antibody test. It is carried out in order to diagnose autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland. The anti-TPO test is usually accompanied by a test showing the concentration of thyroglobulin. Anti-TPO is also performed in the event of alarming results of TSH, T3 and T4 tests that were carried out earlier.

If anti-TPO antibodies are marked in the test sample, it may suggest diseases such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’. The test is most often performed when symptoms appear that indicate hypothyroidism.

Thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroid antibodies

Anti-TPO are antibodies that are directed against thyroid peroxidase. They are marked in diagnostics by radioimmunological or immunochemical methods.

Thyroid peroxidase, abbreviated TPO, is a transmembrane enzyme with an EC number of 1.11.1.8 and a molecular weight of 107 kDa. Peroxidase occurs as a dimer at the cell tips in the follicles of the thyroid gland. This enzyme is involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones by catalyzing the oxidation of iodine, iodination of the tyrosine residue, and conjugation of iodothyrosine into T3 triiodothyronine and T4 tetraiodothyronine, known as thyroxine. Triiodothyronine T3 and thyroxine T4 are thyroid hormones that significantly affect the proper functioning of the body.

Anti-TPO are antibodies that are produced by the body in autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland.

Increased levels of Anti-TPO antibodies are found in various types of autoimmune thyroiditis. These antibodies are present in over 90% of patients with chronic thyroiditis, i.e. Hashimoto’s, and in 70% of patients with Graves’ disease, also known as Basedow’s disease.

What is worth knowing about the thyroid gland? Check: If your thyroid could speak, what would it say?

Anti-thyroid antibodies

Anti-TPO is not the only type of antibody directed against the elements that make up the thyroid gland. The following anti-thyroid antibodies are currently known:

  1. anti-TSHR – antibodies against TSH receptors (found in Graves’ disease);
  2. anti-TPO – antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (occurs in the course of Hashimoto’s disease);
  3. anty-TG – anti-thyroglobulin antibodies;
  4. anti-NIS – antibodies against the protein of the inner part of the thyroid cell membrane;
  5. anty megalina – antibodies against megalin – a receptor located on the luminal surface of some epithelial cells.

What should you know about antibodies? Check: Antibodies – formation, types and role in the immune system

Anti-TPO – How Do Anti-Thyroid Antibodies Are Made?

Anti-TPO and other anti-thyroid antibodies arise as a result of the immune system failing to recognize the components of the thyroid gland as foreign. Such a reaction of the immune system can lead to chronic thyroiditis, damage to the gland tissue or disturbances in the function of the thyroid gland.

In what cases should the thyroid gland be operated on? Check: Thyroid operations – indications, preparation, complications and convalescence. What thyroid surgery can be performed?

Anti-TPO – what does anti-thyroid antibodies work?

The thyroid gland is a small gland that produces T4 and T3 triiodothyronine. These hormones are extremely important in regulating metabolism. The endocrine system works by a feedback loop, and so is the case here. The feedback system uses the thyroid stimulating hormone TSH to increase or decrease the production of thyroid hormones. The proper functioning of this system ensures that the concentration of these hormones in the blood is kept constant.

Antithyroid antibodies, on the other hand, interfere with this process and lead to chronic diseases that are associated with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In hypothyroidism, there is a deficiency of thyroid hormones, while in hyperthyroidism, an excess of thyroid hormones is observed.

Are there any supplements on the market that support the work of the thyroid gland? Read: How to support the work of the thyroid gland? Here are five useful supplements

Anti-TPO – what is this test and what is it for?

Anti-TPO is an antibody test performed to diagnose autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland. The anti-TPO test is most often accompanied by a test showing the concentration of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies.

Anti-TPO is also performed in the event of alarming results of TSH, T3 and T4 tests that were carried out earlier. If anti-TPO antibodies are marked in the test sample, it may suggest diseases such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’. The test is most often performed when symptoms appear that indicate an underactive thyroid gland.

At Medonet Market, you can purchase an anti-TPO test in a package with TSH and FT4 levels.

The anti-TPO test is also included in the Test before consultation with a dietitian – home blood analysis, thanks to which you will check for any deficiencies or the presence of inflammations, which can be at least partially remedied with an appropriate diet. Thanks to such research, it will be easier for a dietitian to choose a diet in accordance with your expectations and needs.

What can an enlarged thyroid mean? Check: Enlarged thyroid gland – causes, treatment

When to perform anti-TPO test – indications

People who suspect they have thyroid disease should have an anti-TPO antibody test performed. People who have noticed symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism should be referred for a test.

The first ailment may be manifested by reduced appetite, constipation or dry skin and sensitivity to cold. People struggling with hypothyroidism feel more sleepy and their life functions are slowed down. Patients also have thyroid goitre, overweight, and gain excessively and quickly. They also struggle with hair loss.

The hyperthyroidism manifests itself differently. People suffering from this ailment have problems with insomnia or excessive sweating. Sudden weight loss also occurs. An overactive thyroid gland is manifested by a rapid heartbeat, trembling muscles and bulging eyes.

The test should also be performed by patients who showed disturbing results after the TSH, FT3, FT4 tests.

The anti-TPO test is also performed in people with suspicions of other autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis or pernicious anemia, and Hashimoto’s and Graves’ diseases.

The anti-TPO test should also be performed by women who have problems with getting pregnant and those who have had a miscarriage. An anti-TPO test will also help determine your risk of developing thyroiditis after childbirth.

How are hormonal disorders manifested? Check: Hormonal disorders – what are their symptoms and how to prevent them?

Anti-TPO – the purpose of the study

All the above-mentioned indications are standard and the most common reasons for performing an anti-TPO test. It is worth pointing out, however, that this test may also be useful in diagnosing other diseases, especially Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid cancer or granulomatous thyroiditis.

In addition, AntyTPO antibodies are also positive in 3% of people who do not have clear symptoms of thyroid disease. This is especially true for elderly women.

Interestingly, in some cases, false results have been obtained due to the interaction of certain reagents in the anti-TPO antibody detection kit. False results can be obtained with treatment with a high dose of biotin. Therefore, it is recommended to collect blood at least 8 hours after the last administration.

Does Diet Influence Hashimoto’s Disease? Check: Diet and hashimoto. Learn the five most important rules

How to prepare for an anti-TPO test

There is no special preparation for the anti-TPO test, and the patient does not need to be on an empty stomach. For approx. 30 minutes. before the examination, it is advisable to drink a glass of water or bitter (unsweetened) tea.

What are the causes and symptoms of thyroid cancer? Check: Thyroid neoplasms – types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis. Treatment of thyroid cancer

What does the anti-TPO test look like?

The concentration of anti-TPO antibodies is determined by taking a blood test. This examination does not require exceptional preparation from the examined person. The patient who performs the test does not even need to be fasting, therefore the procedure can be performed at any time of the day. A blood sample is then drawn from the vein. Most often it is the cephalic vein. The sample is then transferred to the laboratory where it is analyzed.

Then you only need to collect the results and go to a doctor who will interpret them and tell you whether any treatment should be implemented. It is worth knowing that the procedure of the examination itself is different if the patient is a child. Then, instead of making a traditional puncture, the nurse can make an incision in the skin. For this you need a special lancing device called a lancet.

Blood analysis is usually performed by the chemiluminescent immunomolecular method (CMIA).

What symptoms could indicate thyroid disease? Read: What to do when the thyroid gland is sick? Don’t underestimate these symptoms!

Is there an anti-TPO antibody standard?

In many standard analyzes, a so-called norm can be determined. However, there is no uniform standard when testing for anti-TPO antibodies. The results of this study depend on many factors, are influenced by the age and gender of the patient, as well as internal laboratory guidelines.

Due to this fact, it is better to use the services of one facility. Anti-TPO is a test worth doing because it can tell us a lot about our health.

How does iodine affect the thyroid? Check: Iodine for immunity and for people with thyroid problems

Anti-TPO – interpretation of test results

When the result shows high anti-TPO, it may suggest serious autoimmune diseases, including chronic thyroiditis known as Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease. Another example of an autoimmune disease with elevated levels of anti-TPO antibodies is postpartum thyroiditis. About 5% of women after childbirth suffer from them.

The increased anti-TPO index is a signal for further diagnosis and treatment. Mild or moderately elevated levels of Anti-TPO anti-thyroid antibodies in the blood may occur when a patient suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, systemic connective tissue disease, type I diabetes and other autoimmune diseases.

Overall, the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies suggests an autoimmune disorder involving the thyroid gland, and the higher the antibody level, the more likely it is.

What are the facts and myths about Hashimoto’s disease? Check: Facts and myths, or how to live with Hashimoto’s disease? [WE EXPLAIN]

Anti-TPO – how much does the examination cost?

Anti-TPO test price may differ depending on the city in which we perform the test, as well as the selected laboratory. On average, the price of an anti-TPO test varies between PLN 30 and PLN 40. The anti-TPO test should be performed in kits or packages. Then we get a more complete diagnostic picture and we will pay less in total than for single tests.

Does the use of thyroid medications cause side effects? Check: Thyroid Drugs – What Side Effects Can They Have?

Anti-TPO – Research Packages and Related Research

Performing the anti-TPO test itself will only illustrate a fragment of the actual thyroid problem. Related tests that are worth performing in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases include:

  1. TSH study;
  2. FT4 study;
  3. FT3 study;
  4. anti-TG study;
  5. testing for antibodies against TSH receptors (TRAb);
  6. thyroglobulin test. 

The above tests can be performed individually, but many facilities offer affordable testing packages. When performing a test package, blood is drawn once or twice and all results are obtained on one printout. Each obtained result should be consulted with a doctor, preferably an endocrinologist.

What is the thyroid profile and when is it worth doing? Check: Thyroid profile, or what tests will detect thyroid disease?

What’s next for the anti-TPO result?

When we receive your anti-TPO test result, make an appointment with an endocrinologist. It is the endocrinologist who deals with abnormalities in the hormone economy, including thyroid disorders.

You can make an appointment privately or through the National Health Fund. When visiting the National Health Fund, remember that you need a referral, which can be issued by your GP. The waiting time for an appointment with the National Health Fund is quite long. In some cases, you can wait up to 8-9 months for an appointment.

With what ailments can you turn to an endocrinologist? Check: Endocrinologist – what does he do?

Name of the study Anty-TPO
Standards In many standard analyzes, a so-called norm can be determined. However, when testing for the concentration of anti-TPO antibodies not to a uniform standard. The results of this study depend on many factors, are influenced by the age and gender of the patient, as well as internal laboratory guidelines.
Interpreting the results (at least basic) When the result shows high anti-TPO, it may suggest serious autoimmune diseases, including chronic thyroiditis known as Hashimoto’s disease and Graves’ disease. In the case of low anti-TPO, it is a signal for further diagnosis and treatment. Elevated anti-TPO may appear when the patient suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, systemic connective tissue disease, type I diabetes – autoimmune diseases. Then he forces the doctor to look for thyroid diseases.
How is the test going The concentration of anti-TPO antibodies is determined by taking a blood test taken from a vein. Most often it is the cephalic vein. The sample is then transferred to the laboratory where it is analyzed. Then you only need to collect the results and go to a doctor who will interpret them and tell you whether any treatment should be implemented. It is worth knowing that the procedure of the examination itself is different if the patient is a child. Then, instead of making a traditional puncture, the nurse can make an incision in the skin. For this you need a special lancing device called a lancet.
How to prepare for the test Testing anti-TPO antibodies does not require exceptional preparation from the tested person. The patient who performs the test does not even have to be fasting, therefore the procedure can be performed at any time of the day.

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