OVERVIEW:
What is the TSH receptor antibody (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins TSI) lab test?
A TSH receptor antibody (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins TSI) lab test is a blood test that differentiates autoimmune thyroid diseases from other types of thyroid diseases.
Why is the TSH receptor antibody (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins TSI) lab test done?
A TSH receptor antibody (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins TSI) lab test is done in order to:
- Diagnose autoimmune thyroid diseases,
- Plan treatment of autoimmune thyroid diseases,
- Monitor autoimmune thyroid diseases.
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
This is a blood test by which we can measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin in the blood. TSI is a form of immunoglobulin that can bind to thyrotropin (TSH) receptors on the thyroid gland. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin mimic’s action of TSH, causing excess secretion of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. High levels of TSI indicate the presence of Grave’s disease
What does a TSH receptor antibody (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins TSI) lab test measure?
A TSH receptor antibody (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins TSI) lab test checks for thyroid autoantibodies (antibodies produced against a healthy body tissue). Thyroid autoantibodies damage the thyroid gland and result in inflammation of thyroid gland, tissue damage, and disruption of thyroid gland function.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no known risks associated with this test.
How should I prepare for this test?
There is no special preparation needed for this test.
Can I get this test done during pregnancy?
Yes, you can safely get this test done during pregnancy.
Can this test give a false negative result?
Thyroid autoantibodies are only present in 90% of the people therefore, a negative test result does not rule out autoimmune thyroid diseases.
What are the contraindications of this test?
People suffering from a bleeding disorder or cellulitis (bacterial skin infection) are not recommended to get this test done.
A negative test result means thyroid autoantibodies are not present in the body.
Mild to moderately elevated levels of thyroid antibodies are found in a variety of disorders such as thyroid cancer, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of joints), and pernicious anemia (lack of healthy red blood cells due to vitamin B12 deficiency).
A significantly elevated level of thyroid antibodies is seen in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune inflammatory thyroid disease) and Grave’s disease (autoimmune thyroid disease).
A TSH receptor antibody (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins TSI) lab test is done in order to:
- Diagnose autoimmune thyroid diseases,
- Plan treatment of autoimmune thyroid diseases,
- Monitor autoimmune thyroid diseases.