microsomal (tpo) antibody Test

An antithyroid microsomal antibody test or a tpo test is also called a thyroid peroxidase test, and it measures the level of antithyroid microsomal antibodies in your blood. What is tpo? Thyroperoxidase is an enzyme which is involved in the thyroid hormone synthesis. The microsomal antibody test helps monitor autoimmune thyroid diseases and helps analyse the particular specimen or form of thyroiditis. It also detects the causes of goitre and other thyroid dysfunctions.

If you are suffering from one or the below-mentioned symptoms, then chances are there could be a thyroid dysfunction. 

• Rapid heart rate

• Anxiety

• Tremors

• Hair loss

• Dry skin

• Intolerance to cold

• Constipation

• Excess sweating

• Difficulty sleeping

• Protruding eyes

• Sudden weight loss or gain

• Fatigue Goiter

Once the results are in, the doctor will advise you on any other tests that may be necessary upon diagnosis of a condition.

This type of blood test, which will determine the anti tpo normal range or if there is an issue will take not more than a week. The doctor will be able to explain the results to you. A test that comes back as negative for the antimicrosomal antibody /antithyroid microsomal antibodies is a normal result. You can expect the test results in 24-26 hours.

However, if you have an autoimmune disease or a thyroid problem, then your microsomal antibody may rise. If the anti tpo test comes out positive, here are the possible conditions 

1. Grave’s disease- An autoimmune disorder in which the thyroid gland is overactive

2. Hashimoto Thyroiditis- Is swelling of the thyroid due to reduced function

3. Subacute thyroiditis is again a swelling of the gland that can result in an upper respiratory infection

4. Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia is a dip in the red blood cells due to increased destruction of the immune system

5. Thyroid cancer

6. Rheumatoid arthritis

If women have higher levels of tpo antibodies, then they are at a higher risk of

• Miscarriage
• Preeclampsia
• Premature birth
• Difficulty with IVF

Sometimes there are possibilities of false positive and false negative results, which can be a result of being on certain medications. Make sure you follow the doctor’s orders while taking the test. An anti tpo test cost is reasonable and available at most clinics and hospitals.

First of all, you need to understand what is microsomal antibody. It is the microsomes which are found inside thyroid cells. The body produces antibodies to the microsomes when there is damage to the thyroid cells. This anti tpo antibodies test is a blood test where a sample is collected through the vein by using an injection. The sample collected is then sent to the lab for diagnosis.

There are very few risks of anti tpo antibody test. Some of the risks associated with any blood test such as pain during insertion of the needle, bruising which will disappear in a week and some lightheadedness could occur.

If you are on certain medications, sometimes the test results could be false positive or negative.

Specimen type: Serum (Blood Sample),

Specimen collection procedure: Venipuncture (Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm)

You do not need to fast anti tpo test. But be sure to inform your doctor of any medication, drugs or herbal supplements you may be taking before you go in for the test.

If you have one or more of the symptoms mentioned above you may be suffering from thyroid issues. It is always advisable to take the tpo test and get the anti tpo antibodies treatment if the diagnosis turns out to be positive.