| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | A test to measure antithyroglobulin antibodies in the blood. Thyroglobulin is a protein that is present in thyroid cells (see "Why the test is performed"). |
| Alternative Names | Thyroid antithyroglobulin antibody; Thyroglobulin antibody |
| How the test is performed | Adult or child: Blood is drawn from a vein ( venipuncture ), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a tourniquet (an elastic band) or blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the tourniquet to distend (fill with blood). A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the tourniquet is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding . Infant or young child: The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding. |
| How to prepare for the test | Fasting may be required. Usually, you will be asked to refrain from eating (and sometimes drinking) overnight. Medications that may interfere with correct results will be monitored or discontinued until after the test. Infants and children: The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year) toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years) preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years) schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years) adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years) |
| How the test will feel | When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing. |
| Why the test is performed | This test helps to detect possible thyroid problems. Thyroglobulin is a protein that is normally confined to the thyroid gland. It is the source of the thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones in the body. The presence of autoantibodies to thyroglobulin can lead to the destruction of the thyroid gland. Such antibodies are more likely to appear after trauma to or inflammation of the thyroid gland. |
| Normal Values | A negative test is normal. |
| What abnormal results mean | Disorders include:Hashimoto's thyroiditisrheumatoid-collagen diseasethyrotoxicosisSLE ( systemic lupus erythematosus )rheumatoid arthritishypothyroidism thyroid carcinomaSjogren's syndromeautoimmune hemolytic anemiamyxedema |
| What the risks are | excessive bleedingfainting or feeling light-headed hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken) multiple punctures to locate veins |
| Special considerations | Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. |
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