Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (venipuncture)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 2–3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection of autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's and Graves' disease
- No prescription needed — order directly online with confidential results
- Comprehensive screening measures key antibodies TPOAb and TgAb in one panel
- Fast results delivered securely to your online portal within 2-3 days
- Convenient testing at thousands of locations nationwide with easy scheduling
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or temperature sensitivity
- Individuals with abnormal TSH or thyroid hormone test results
- People with family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune conditions
- Those monitoring existing autoimmune thyroid conditions
- Health-conscious individuals seeking proactive thyroid health screening
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — No prescription needed, results in 2-3 business days
- Visit a lab — Quick blood draw at a convenient location near you
- Get results — Secure online access within 2-3 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? This panel detects thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) that indicate autoimmune thyroid disease.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting required, but avoid biotin supplements for 12 hours before testing as they may interfere with results.
How accurate is this test? TPO antibodies are present in 70-90% of Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients, making it highly sensitive for autoimmune hypothyroidism (Labcorp 2025).
What if my results are positive? Positive results suggest autoimmune thyroid disease and should be reviewed with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Can I take this test if I'm on thyroid medication? Yes, thyroid medications don't interfere with antibody testing, but inform your healthcare provider about all medications.
How often should I retest? Antibody levels remain relatively stable, so retesting is typically only needed to monitor disease progression or treatment response.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Thyroid Antibodies Panel detects specific antibodies that attack thyroid tissue, helping diagnose autoimmune thyroid diseases. When your immune system mistakenly targets the thyroid gland, it produces antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin (TgAb). These antibodies indicate conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) or Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism). The test complements thyroid hormone tests like TSH, T3, and T4 to provide a complete picture of thyroid health (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for individuals with symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, including unexplained fatigue, weight changes, temperature intolerance, mood changes, or irregular heart rate. It's particularly useful for people with abnormal thyroid hormone tests, family history of thyroid disease, or those with other autoimmune conditions. The test helps differentiate autoimmune causes of thyroid dysfunction from other thyroid disorders, enabling targeted treatment approaches (American Thyroid Association 2023).
When should I order the Thyroid Antibodies Panel Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test when you have symptoms suggesting thyroid dysfunction, especially if initial thyroid hormone tests are abnormal. It's also recommended for monitoring known autoimmune thyroid conditions or when other autoimmune diseases are present. Early testing can prevent progression to more severe thyroid dysfunction and associated complications like cardiovascular disease, infertility, and depression (Cleveland Clinic 2025).
How do I interpret the results?
Negative/Low TPOAb & TgAb
- What it means: No autoimmune thyroid disease detected
- Typical action: Investigate other causes of thyroid dysfunction
Elevated TPOAb
- What it means: Suggests Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Typical action: Monitor thyroid function, consider treatment
Elevated TgAb
- What it means: May indicate autoimmune thyroid disease
- Typical action: Correlate with other tests and symptoms
Both antibodies elevated
- What it means: Strong indication of autoimmune thyroid disease
- Typical action: Endocrinology consultation recommended
Antibody levels can remain elevated for years, even with treatment, so focus on symptoms and thyroid hormone levels for monitoring.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. You don't need to fast or avoid any foods. However, avoid biotin supplements for at least 12 hours before testing, as they can interfere with the immunoassay results. Continue taking your regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. The blood draw is quick and performed by a trained phlebotomist (MedlinePlus 2022).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening with symptoms: Once, then as needed
- Monitoring known autoimmune thyroid disease: Annually or as directed by physician
- Family history of thyroid disease: Every 2–3 years after age 35
- Other autoimmune conditions present: Every 1–2 years
Why early detection matters
Early detection of autoimmune thyroid disease can prevent serious complications and improve quality of life. Autoimmune thyroid disease affects approximately 5% of the U.S. population, with Hashimoto's thyroiditis being the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Untreated thyroid dysfunction can lead to cardiovascular problems, infertility, depression, and metabolic complications. Early intervention allows for timely treatment, preventing disease progression and reducing healthcare costs associated with complications (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Related tests you may consider
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test — Primary screening test for thyroid function that pairs well with antibody testing to assess overall thyroid status.
Free T3 and Free T4 Blood Test Panel — Measure active thyroid hormones to evaluate the severity of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Thyrotropin Receptor Antibody (TRAb) Test — Useful to confirm Graves' disease and differentiate from other causes of hyperthyroidism.
