Advanced Thyroid Test

£42.00

Our Advanced Thyroid test includes measurement of the Thyroid hormones (TSH, FT4 and FT3) and Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies. Thyroid hormones allow the detection or monitoring of an underactive or overactive thyroid. TPO antibodies are a marker of autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid.

What is included in this test?

This test includes four markers: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH); Free thyroxine (FT4); Free triiodothyronine (FT3); and TPO antibodies.

What is the purpose of this test?

The thyroid tests are used to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland; to help diagnose thyroid gland disorders. The thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolism and how it grows, functions and uses energy.

The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck. It secretes two hormones known as thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3). The release of T4 and T3 into the blood is controlled by a third hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), this hormone is responsible for keeping T4 and T3 at the right levels. Collectively, these three hormones are referred to as ‘thyroid function tests’ (TFTs). Our test measures the active portion of T4 and T3 known as free T4 (FT4) or free T3 (FT3).

There are two main conditions that effect the thyroid:

Hypothyroidism (known as underactive thyroid) is when the thyroid glands fails to produce sufficient hormones for health. This can be treated by thyroid hormone replacement.

Hyperthyroidism (known as overactive thyroid) is when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can be treated by hospital specialist depending on the cause.

Our advanced thyroid test also includes measurement of TPO antibodies. TPO is a protein inside the thyroid gland. TPO antibodies are antibodies made by our immune system that bind to TPO. The majority of people have some TPO antibodies in their blood. High levels of TPO antibodies can indicate that someone may have an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid.

Please note: these tests are available for people aged over 18 only. In a small number of cases, it may not always be possible to provide a result, please see our terms and conditions for details.

Who is this test for?

This test is for people who are concerned that they may have a thyroid problem.

Early signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction may often be very non-specific. The common symptoms hypothyroidism may include:

Unexplained weight gain
Dry skin
Feeling cold
Puffy skin
Hair loss
Tiredness

Some signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:

Fast heart rate
Anxiety
Unexplained weight loss
Feeling hot
Hand tremors
Bulging, dry, puffy or irritated eyes
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)

What will the result show?

Our thyroid test will report your levels for all three hormones (TSH, FT4 and FT3). You will receive a personalised interpretation of what the results mean and what you should do about them. This may be as simple as; all is well, to a recommendation to see your GP if we detect an abnormality.

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient thyroid hormone, so the FT4 and FT3 levels are low.

This causes an increase in TSH to try and stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroxine.

In hyperthyroidism the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine, so the T4 levels are high. This causes a decrease in TSH to try and stop the thyroid producing more thyroxine.

TPO antibodies can help to see if an underactive thyroid is likely to be caused by autoimmune disease. TPO antibodies are especially useful if someone has a mild form of underactive thyroid called subclinical hypothyroidism. If someone has subclinical hypothyroidism and positive TPO antibodies then they may be more likely to develop an underactive thyroid in the future. More information can be found on our TPO test page.

What do the TPO results mean?

TPO antibodies of 35 or above:

You have raised levels of TPO antibodies. If your thyroid tests show a subclinical hypothyroid pattern, this suggests that you may have a higher chance of developing an underactive thyroid in the future. If you have already been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, this suggests that this condition is caused by an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid.

TPO antibodies of 34 or below:

You have normal levels of TPO antibodies. If your thyroid tests show a subclinical hypothyroid pattern, this suggests that you have a lower chance of developing an underactive thyroid in the future.

If you have already been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, this result does not indicate whether or not this condition is caused by an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid. Up to 1 in 10 people with an autoimmune underactive thyroid condition have TPO antibodies within the normal range (i.e. 34 or below).

I have normal thyroid tests, what does my TPO antibody result mean?

It is not clear what a high level of TPO antibodies means for someone with normal thyroid tests. There is some evidence to indicate that high levels of TPO antibodies could suggest a higher chance of developing an underactive thyroid in the future. However, many people with high levels of TPO antibodies will not go on to develop an underactive thyroid.

I have hyperthyroidism, what does my TPO antibody result mean?

TPO antibodies are present in the majority of people with hyperthyroidism but this is not helpful for determining the cause of hyperthyroidism. If your test results indicate that you have hyperthyroidism then we recommend discussing the result with your doctor.

Why do you not measure thyroglobulin antibodies?

Thyroglobulin antibodies also known as anti-thyroglobulin antibodies are another test related to the thyroid. Studies have demonstrated that TPO antibodies are linked to an underactive thyroid. The same studies found that thyroglobulin antibodies were only associated with an underactive thyroid in people who also had positive TPO antibodies. When thyroglobulin antibodies were found on their own they were not associated with an underactive thyroid. For this reason, we do not feel that measuring thyroglobulin antibodies adds any information above measuring TPO antibodies alone and so is not of benefit to our customers.