What is thyroglobulin?
The thyroid gland located in neck releases hormones that control body metabolism. It produces a protein called thyroglobulin which basically makes active thyroid hormone.
What is antithyroglobulin antibody (ATG) lab test?
This laboratory test is basically used to measure antibody level released against protein thyroglobulin. Antithyroglobulin antibodies are autoantibodies i.e. they are developed when person’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own components of thyroid gland/thyroid proteins leading to thyroiditis (chronic inflammation of thyroid), disruption of thyroid function and tissue damage. Hence, this test detects & measures presence of concentration of thyroid autoantibodies in blood.
Why is antithyroglobulin antibody lab test done?
The purpose of ATG test is to diagnose thyroid problems. This test is done:
- If you are facing symptoms of thyroid disorder which can be hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
- If you want to confirm results of a thyroglobulin test
- During treatment of thyroid cancer as regular checkup test & to monitor condition.
- Is fasting required for thyroid antibody test?
Thyroid Antithyroglobulin Antibody blood test also called thyroid antibody TAA & thyroglobulin antibody, doesn’t require fasting for its lab test. Its results are delivered within 2 to 3 days.
- What do high antithyroglobulin antibody indicate?
Its high levels in blood show signs of serious autoimmune disorder like Graves' disease or Hashimoto thyroiditis.
- What happens in Hashimoto’s disease?
You feel symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, perpetual cold, constipation, fertility issues & joint and muscle ache.
- What is beneficial in lowering thyroid antibodies?
Taking supplements like selenium, zinc, curcumin, Vit D, magnesium, B-complex vitamins & iron can prove beneficial.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:
Normally antithyroglobulin is not found in blood, but some 10% to 20% healthy individuals may have detectable antithyroglobulin levels. However, its results interpret:
- “Negative”: This means normal result. It means that no thyroglobulin autoantibodies were found in blood.
- “Positive”: This means abnormal results which means that antithyroglobulin antibodies are present blood. Its presence points towards:
- Graves disease (overactive thyroid)
- Hashimoto thyroiditis
- Subacute thyroiditis
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease)
- Type 1 diabetes
- Pregnant women with autoimmune thyroiditis
