Additional information | |
|---|---|
| Department | IMMUNOLOGY |
| Speciality Name | THYROID ANTIBODIES (ATG/ATPO)*** |
| Test type | Pathology |
| Report | 24 Hours |
| Availability | All centre |
No special preparation is required
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck. It makes hormones that help manage key body functions like metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, energy levels, and digestion. Sometimes, the body's immune system gets confused and thinks the thyroid gland is dangerous, so it creates antibodies that attack it. These are known as thyroid antibodies or thyroid autoantibodies.
A thyroid antibodies test is a blood test that checks for the presence of these antibodies. It can help doctors determine if a thyroid issue is caused by an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease. The test is usually done together with other thyroid hormone tests like TSH, T3, and T4, and it's not used by itself.
The Thyroid Antibodies (ATG/ATPO) test price in Delhi generally ranges from INR 1,200 to INR 3,000, depending on the diagnostic centre and whether one antibody or a panel is tested.
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| What it is | Blood test for antibodies that attack the thyroid gland |
| Also known as | Thyroid Antibodies, Anti TPO, Anti GT, TG-TPO, ATG/ATPO |
| Sample | Blood from a vein in the arm |
| Fasting | Usually not required |
| Main uses | Hashimoto's disease, Graves' disease, unexplained thyroid problems |
| Price in Delhi | INR 1,200 to INR 3,000 (varies by centre and panel) |
Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to help protect the body from harmful things that come from outside. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system may create antibodies that accidentally target and harm the body's own tissues.
When these antibodies attack the thyroid, they can disrupt the thyroid's usual function. Depending on which type of antibody is present, they can be linked to either a thyroid that isn't working properly or one that's working too much.
The main thyroid antibodies that might be checked are:
TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies are often linked to Hashimoto's disease, whereas TRAb and TSI are usually connected to Graves' disease.
| Antibody | Usually linked with | Why it is tested |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-TPO (TPOAb) | Hashimoto's disease | Common first antibody test for an underactive thyroid |
| Anti-thyroglobulin (TgAb) | Hashimoto's disease | Adds to anti-TPO; also used with thyroglobulin in some thyroid follow-up |
| TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) | Graves' disease | Helps in an overactive thyroid |
| Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) | Graves' disease | Checks antibodies that over-stimulate the thyroid |
The test is usually done when a doctor thinks that a problem with the thyroid might be because of an autoimmune issue.
For example, someone might have a strange TSH or thyroid hormone test result, but the doctor might want to find out why the thyroid isn't working properly. Thyroid antibody tests can tell you more about whether the immune system is playing a role.
The test might also be suggested if someone has signs that point to Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease, especially when regular thyroid tests don't fully explain what's going on.
A doctor might suggest the test if there are signs of thyroid problems or symptoms that could point to an autoimmune thyroid condition.
It may be useful in people with:
The specific antibody test that is ordered depends on the suspected thyroid problem and the patient's medical background.
| Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) | Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) |
|---|---|
| Tiredness, weight gain | Weight loss, fast heartbeat |
| Feeling cold, dry skin | Feeling hot, sweating, tremor |
| Constipation, hair thinning | Loose stools, anxiety, poor sleep |
| Slow heart rate, low mood | Palpitations, irritability |
These symptoms can have many causes, so tests are needed to find the reason.
Usually, you don't need to do anything special before having a blood test to check for thyroid antibodies. No special preparation is required. Patients need to tell their doctor about all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements they are using. Some substances, like biotin, can affect certain tests that check the thyroid.
The thyroid antibodies test is a straightforward blood test. A doctor or nurse takes a little bit of blood from a vein, typically in the arm. The sample is taken to a lab to be tested.
The process is generally fast and usually takes just a few minutes.
There might be a small pinch or a slight sting when the needle goes in. Minor bruising can sometimes occur afterward. Free home sample collection may also be available.
The test is considered very safe because it only requires a small blood sample. Some people may experience mild pain, temporary discomfort or bruising at the needle site. Serious complications are uncommon.
Thyroid antibody testing can be useful because thyroid hormone levels alone may show that the thyroid is not functioning normally without clearly identifying the cause. Finding thyroid antibodies can provide evidence of an autoimmune thyroid condition.
It can therefore help doctors distinguish autoimmune causes such as Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease from other causes of thyroid dysfunction. The results may also help guide further evaluation and follow-up.
| Test | Why it may be added |
|---|---|
| Thyroid Profile | T3, T4 and TSH to check how well the thyroid is working |
| TSH (ultra-sensitive) | First test for most thyroid problems |
| Free T3 and Free T4 | Active thyroid hormone levels |
| Thyroglobulin | Follow-up of some thyroid conditions |
| USG Thyroid | Size, nodules and texture of the gland |
See a doctor if you have ongoing tiredness, weight change, palpitations, swelling in the neck, hair loss or changes in periods. Seek urgent care for a very fast heartbeat, chest pain, fainting or severe weakness.
The Thyroid Antibodies (ATG/ATPO) test price in Delhi generally ranges from INR 1,200 to INR 3,000. The cost depends on the diagnostic centre, whether one antibody or a panel is tested and whether it is part of a health package.
At City X-Ray & Scan Clinic, the listed price for Thyroid Antibodies (ATG/ATPO) is INR 1,800. Please confirm the current price and report timing before booking.
The Thyroid Antibodies test price depends on the type of antibody tested and the diagnostic centre, and generally ranges from INR 1,200 to INR 3,000. A single antibody test may cost less than a complete thyroid antibody panel. At City X-Ray & Scan Clinic, the listed price for ATG/ATPO is INR 1,800.
The Thyroid Antibodies price in Delhi may vary from around INR 1,200 to INR 3,000, depending on whether one antibody or a panel of antibodies is tested. Confirm the current price before booking.
You can get Thyroid Antibodies near me at diagnostic centres offering blood tests and thyroid-related antibody testing. Check the availability of the specific antibody test before booking. At City X-Ray & Scan Clinic in Delhi NCR, you can enquire about the test.
Usually, fasting is not required for a Thyroid Antibodies blood test. However, follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor or testing centre.
A positive result may indicate an autoimmune thyroid condition such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease. The result should be interpreted along with TSH, T3, T4 and your symptoms.
Both are antibodies linked to autoimmune thyroid disease, mainly Hashimoto's disease. Anti-TPO is usually tested first, and anti-thyroglobulin may be added by the doctor.
Yes. Some people have antibodies while thyroid hormone levels are still normal. Your doctor may advise follow-up to see if the thyroid changes over time.
Biotin can affect some thyroid blood tests. Tell your doctor about all supplements you take before the test.
Levels may change over time or with treatment, but this varies from person to person. Your doctor will advise when to repeat the test.
It is a routine blood test. You may feel a quick pinch when the needle goes in, and a small bruise can sometimes appear.
The Thyroid Antibodies test is a useful blood test for investigating autoimmune conditions affecting the thyroid gland. It checks for antibodies such as anti-TPO, anti-thyroglobulin and TSH receptor antibodies, depending on the suspected condition.
A positive or negative result should not be interpreted on its own. Doctors usually consider thyroid antibody results together with TSH, T3, T4, symptoms, medical history and other investigations. If you have been advised to undergo this test, discussing the results with your healthcare provider can help determine whether further testing or monitoring is needed.
Related tests