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What is Anti TPO Test?
Anti-TPO test is a medical test that is used to diagnose TPO antibodies in your blood. TPO stands for thyroid peroxidase, which is an enzyme produced by the thyroid gland, which is situated at the base of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones that play a major role in regulating and maintaining your body temperature, body weight, growth, development, and muscle strength. Also known as the thyroid peroxidase autoantibody test, this test checks the level of thyroid antibodies in your body, which could be indicative of serious medical conditions.
What is the Anti-TPO test used for?
The anti-TPO test is used to diagnose autoimmune diseases of the thyroid. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight foreign substances such as bacteria or viruses. When the antibodies start attacking the body’s thyroid tissues, you develop an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid. This can lead to the development of symptoms such as redness, swelling, and health complications if left untreated.
Understanding the test results of the Anti-TPO test
An anti-TPO test measures the level of antibodies present in your body according to the antibody per liter or milliliter of blood in international units (IU/mL). The test results fall into the following categories.
- Positive – This result indicates that antibodies to TPO were found and may suggest that you have an autoimmune thyroid disease.
- Negative – This result indicates no antibodies to TPO were found and suggests that you have no issues with your thyroid.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why do I need an Anti-TPO test?
An anti-TPO test is done to diagnose autoimmune disorders of the thyroid such as Hashimoto’s Disease (inflammation of the thyroid gland that reduces thyroid production), Graves Disease (excess production of thyroid hormones), and Idiopathic Myxedema (severely low production of thyroid hormones). It also helps distinguish between autoimmune thyroid diseases and non-autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).
2. What happens during an Anti-TPO test?
A healthcare provider takes a blood sample from your arm using a needle. Once the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is taken and stored in a glass vial. You may feel a slight prick when the needle goes inside.
3. What is a normal anti-TPO level?
If the level of antibodies present in your body is less than 9 IU/mL, it is considered a normal level of TPO antibody and there is nothing to worry about.Â
4. What happens if anti-TPO is high?
If your antibody level is more than 9 IU/mL, it is considered high and may be indicative of an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid, such as Hashimoto’s disease or Graves disease. According to this result, your doctor may order more tests or recommend a treatment plan immediately.
5. Is fasting required for an anti-TPO test?
No fasting or special preparation is required before or after taking an anti-TPO test.
6. How long does an anti-TPO test take?
Since the procedure required to do an anti-TPO test is a simple blood test, the healthcare professional will take a maximum of 10 minutes to draw out the blood and clean you up. The test procedure is, therefore, not at all painful or time consuming.
7. Can stress cause thyroid antibodies?
Yes. Numerous research studies have shown that physical and psychological stress can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases of the thyroid such as Graves disease and Hashimoto’s disease.
8. What causes anti-TPO antibodies to rise?
Studies suggest that a combination of various factors such as intake of particular substances, exposure to infection, high levels of iodine, pregnancy, and family history may contribute to high levels of anti-TPO antibodies in your body. Research studies also suggest that women have a higher risk of developing autoimmune disorders of the thyroid than men.
9. Does anti-TPO affect pregnancy?
The presence of TPO antibodies during pregnancy has been associated with increased rates of complications such as placental abruption, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm delivery, miscarriage, and postpartum thyroid disease, even when thyroid function is normal.
10. What are the symptoms of high Anti-TPO?
Common symptoms associated with high Anti-TPO levels include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin and hair, constipation, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, and depression or mood swings.
However, some people with high Anti-TPO levels may remain asymptomatic and not have any symptoms at all. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
Well, you are just a click away if your doctor has prescribed thyroid tests. Book an appointment today or get a free second opinion at Yashoda Hospitals!
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