Description

Venous blood test

Thyroid Antibodies Blood Test

Test for thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) using one venous blood sample collected in a gold-top serum tube.

After ordering online, you can have your sample taken at The Doctors Laboratory, 76 Wimpole Street, London, or arrange for a healthcare professional to collect it locally and send it to the laboratory.

What does this test measure?

This test measures two antibodies associated with thyroid autoimmunity:

  • Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb)
  • Thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb)

These antibodies may be present in people with autoimmune thyroid conditions, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The results should be interpreted alongside your medical history and thyroid function tests. A positive antibody result alone does not establish that your thyroid is underactive or overactive.

Why is this relevant to chronic spontaneous urticaria and angioedema?

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) involves recurrent hives, angioedema (deeper swelling), or both for more than six weeks. Thyroid autoimmunity is more common in people with chronic urticaria. In specialist care, a TPO antibody result can contribute to the assessment of persistent or difficult-to-control CSU.

This test includes TPOAb and TgAb. A positive result may indicate thyroid autoimmunity, but it does not prove that thyroid antibodies are causing hives or swelling. It also does not, by itself, determine which urticaria treatment is needed. Angioedema that occurs without hives should be assessed by a clinician, as swelling can have other causes.

Please note: This is a thyroid antibody test. It does not include thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4 or free T3. Those are separate tests used to assess thyroid function.

Who might consider this test?

  • Someone whose clinician has recommended thyroid antibody testing after an abnormal thyroid function result.
  • Someone being assessed for possible autoimmune thyroid disease.
  • Someone with CSU whose specialist has advised checking thyroid autoimmunity as part of a broader assessment.

Thyroid antibodies are generally not useful for repeatedly tracking symptoms or treatment progress. If you have previously tested positive, ask your clinician whether another antibody test is needed.

How to provide your blood sample

After purchasing the test online, choose one of the following sample collection options:

Option 1: Attend the London laboratory

Attend The Doctors Laboratory Patient Reception at 76 Wimpole Street, London W1G 9RT, where a healthcare professional can take your venous blood sample. Please bring the laboratory request form supplied for your order. Contact us before attending so that the required paperwork and collection arrangements are in place.

Option 2: Arrange local collection

If you cannot attend in London, a qualified healthcare professional can collect your venous blood sample locally into one gold-top serum tube. The tube must be labelled with your name and date of birth.

The sample must be sent to the laboratory with the printed laboratory request form. Please contact us before collection for the form, laboratory delivery address and current packaging and transport instructions. Collection by your local healthcare professional and postage must be arranged by you.

This test cannot be performed using a home finger-prick sample. Please do not collect your own blood or post an unlabelled tube or a sample without its printed laboratory request form.

When will I receive my results?

The Doctors Laboratory lists an indicative one-day laboratory turnaround for the venous thyroid antibodies test. This is laboratory processing time after the sample has been received and registered; it does not include sample collection, transport or delivery of your report.

Understanding your result

Your report will show the TPOAb and TgAb results with the laboratory’s reference ranges. Antibodies can be present even when thyroid hormone levels are normal. Equally, a negative antibody result does not rule out every thyroid condition.

If you have symptoms of thyroid disease or an abnormal result, discuss it with your GP or treating clinician. If you have ongoing hives or angioedema, your clinician can assess the antibody result in the context of your symptoms and decide whether further investigations or treatment are appropriate.

Test at a glance

Measures: TPOAb and TgAb

Sample: Venous blood in one gold-top serum tube

Collection: 76 Wimpole Street, London, or by a healthcare professional locally

Laboratory test: Thyroid Abs (THAB), The Doctors Laboratory

Laboratory turnaround: Approximately one day after the sample is received and registered

This test provides laboratory information and does not replace a medical consultation or provide a diagnosis on its own. If you develop swelling of the tongue or throat, or have difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical help.