Test Summary
Analysis Type
Serum; immunoassay (e.g., CLIA/ECLIA)
Collection method
In person at the lab; at-home where available
Why test
TPO
?
- Helps check if thyroid symptoms may be autoimmune.
- Adds context when TSH or free T4 are borderline.
- Understand an enlarged thyroid (goiter) or thyroid nodules.
- Plan or monitor during pregnancy and after delivery.
- Gauge future hypothyroidism risk when TSH is high-normal.
- Family history or other autoimmune disease increases risk.
What is
TPO
?
- Helps check if thyroid symptoms may be autoimmune.
- Adds context when TSH or free T4 are borderline.
- Understand an enlarged thyroid (goiter) or thyroid nodules.
- Plan or monitor during pregnancy and after delivery.
- Gauge future hypothyroidism risk when TSH is high-normal.
- Family history or other autoimmune disease increases risk.
What insights will i get from
TPO
?
- High: Points to thyroid autoimmunity; pair with TSH and free T4 to assess function.
- High in pregnancy/postpartum: Higher chance of thyroid shifts; closer follow‑up is helpful.
- Low/negative: Autoimmune thyroid disease less likely, but not fully ruled out.
- Levels can stay positive for years; changes don’t always track symptoms or function.
- Reference ranges vary by lab; use your lab’s range and clinical context.
Sample type & collection
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No
- Best timing: Any time; morning is fine
- Collection: In person at the lab; at-home where available
- Typical volume: 1 mL
- Analysis: Serum; immunoassay (e.g., CLIA/ECLIA)
- Prep tips: Avoid high-dose biotin for 48–72 hours; share meds and supplements
- Turnaround: 1–3 business days
TPO
is best interpreted with:
- TSH
- Free T4
- Free or Total T3
- Thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb)
- TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb/TSI) if hyperthyroid symptoms
- Thyroid ultrasound when a goiter or nodules are suspected
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TPO
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Limits & interferences with
TPO
:
- High-dose biotin can interfere with some assays; avoid for 48–72 hours.
- Heterophile antibodies or rheumatoid factor can cause false positives.
- Recent iodine contrast or high-iodine supplements may shift thyroid antibodies.
- Lab method differences; try to use the same lab for comparisons.
- Special situations (when to confirm or adjust): Pregnancy/postpartum, fertility treatment, or before immunotherapy—confirm with TSH and free T4.
Questions about
TPO
:
- Do I need to fast? No. You can eat and drink normally.
- Will this test tell me if I need thyroid medicine? Not by itself. Decisions rely mainly on TSH, free T4, and your symptoms.
- How often should I recheck it? Often once is enough. Recheck only if your clinical picture changes or your clinician advises.
- Can I lower TPO antibodies? Levels may fluctuate. Care focuses on thyroid function and symptoms; discuss supplements and iodine with your clinician.
Sources:
MedlinePlus — Thyroid Antibodies Test. (2023). https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/thyroid-antibodies-test/
American Thyroid Association — Thyroid Function Tests. (2022). https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests/
American Thyroid Association — 2017 Guidelines: Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy and Postpartum. (2017). https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/thy.2016.0457
NIDDK — Hashimoto’s Disease. (2021). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hashimotos-disease
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always discuss results with a qualified healthcare professional.
