What is the purpose of this test?
The Thyroglobulin Panel Blood Test measures two things in your blood: thyroglobulin and thyroglobulin antibodies. Thyroglobulin is a protein made only by the thyroid gland. It helps your body make thyroid hormones, which control energy, metabolism, and many other important functions.
The main medical use of thyroglobulin (TG) testing is to monitor, not diagnose, thyroid cancer. After surgery or treatment to remove the thyroid, doctors check TG levels to see if thyroid tissue is still present or if the cancer has spread. While high TG levels can also happen with other thyroid problems, its biggest role is in keeping track of patients who have already been treated for thyroid cancer.
This test also looks for thyroglobulin antibodies, which are proteins made by the immune system that can attack thyroglobulin. High levels of these antibodies may point to autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease. Checking both TG and TG antibodies gives doctors helpful information about thyroid health and is especially useful for people who have had thyroid cancer, making it easier to spot signs of the cancer coming back.
The Thyroglobulin Panel Blood Test includes:
- Thyroglobulin: Measures the level of thyroglobulin protein in the blood, which helps assess thyroid health and monitor for thyroid cancer recurrence.
- Thyroglobulin Antibodies: Detects antibodies against thyroglobulin, indicating potential autoimmune thyroid conditions that could impact thyroid function.
Who should get this test?
- Individuals with a history of thyroid cancer
- Patients undergoing treatment or follow-up for thyroid cancer
- People with symptoms of thyroid disease, such as fatigue, weight changes, or hair loss
- Those diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's or Graves' disease
- Individuals with a family history of thyroid disorders
Benefits of the Thyroglobulin Panel Blood Test:
- Thyroid Cancer Monitoring: Assists in tracking thyroid cancer treatment progress and detecting any recurrence.
- Autoimmune Detection: Identifies antibodies that suggest autoimmune thyroid conditions, like Hashimoto's or Graves' disease.
- Thyroid Health Management: Provides valuable insights for healthcare providers to manage thyroid-related health issues effectively.
- Early Intervention: Enables timely detection of abnormal thyroid activity or immune response, supporting proactive care.
Sample ReportPreparation:No fasting is required. Patients should stop taking biotin at least 72 hours before giving a sample for this test as biotin supplements may interfere with results.
Test Results:
1-6 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
