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Test ID: TPO Thyroperoxidase Antibodies, Serum

Reporting Name

Thyroperoxidase Ab, S

Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of thyroid autoimmune disorders

 

Differentiating thyroid autoimmune disorders from nonautoimmune goiter or hypothyroidism

 

As a diagnostic tool in deciding whether to treat a patient who has subclinical hypothyroidism

Clinical Information

Thyroperoxidase (TPO) is an enzyme involved in thyroid hormone synthesis, catalyzing the oxidation of iodide on tyrosine residues in thyroglobulin for the synthesis of triiodothyronine and thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine). TPO is a membrane-associated hemo-glycoprotein expressed only in thyrocytes and is one of the most important thyroid gland antigens.

 

Disorders of the thyroid gland are frequently caused by autoimmune mechanisms with the production of autoantibodies. Anti-TPO antibodies activate complement and are thought to be significantly involved in thyroid dysfunction and the pathogenesis of hypothyroidism.

 

The determination of TPO antibody levels is the most sensitive test for detecting autoimmune thyroid disease (eg, Hashimoto thyroiditis, idiopathic myxedema, and Graves disease), and detectable concentrations of anti-TPO antibodies are observed in most patients with these disorders. The highest TPO antibody levels are observed in patients suffering from Hashimoto thyroiditis. In this disease, the prevalence of TPO antibodies is about 90% of cases, confirming the autoimmune origin of the disease. These autoantibodies also frequently occur (60%-80%) in the course of Graves disease.

 

In patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, the presence of TPO antibodies is associated with an increased risk of developing overt hypothyroidism. Many clinical endocrinologists use the TPO antibody test as a diagnostic tool in deciding whether to treat a patient with subclinical hypothyroidism, and Mayo Clinic Laboratories endorses this practice.

 

For more information, see Thyroid Function Ordering Algorithm.

Interpretation

Values above 9.0 IU/mL generally are associated with autoimmune thyroiditis, but elevations are also seen in other autoimmune diseases.

 

In patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, the presence of thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibodies predicts a higher risk of developing overt hypothyroidism, 4.3% per year versus 2.1% per year in antibody-negative individuals. Furthermore, it raises the concern that such patients may be at increased risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, such as adrenal insufficiency and type 1 diabetes.

 

The frequency of detectable anti-TPO observed in nonimmune thyroid disease is similar to the 10% to 12% observed in a healthy population with normal thyroid function.

 

There is a good association between the presence of autoantibodies against TPO and histological thyroiditis. However, in view of the extensive regenerative capacity of the thyroid under the influence of thyrotropin, chronic thyroid disease may be present for years before the clinical manifestation of hypothyroidism becomes evident, if ever.

Testing Algorithm

For more information, see Thyroid Function Ordering Algorithm

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Clinical Reference

1. Feldt-Rasmussen U: Analytical and clinical performance goals for testing autoantibodies to thyroperoxidase, thyroglobulin, and thyrotropin receptor. Clin Chem. 1996 Jan;42(1):160-163

2. Gharib H, Tuttle RM, Baskin HJ, et al: Consensus Statement #1: Subclinical thyroid dysfunction: a joint statement on management from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Thyroid Association, and the Endocrine Society. Thyroid. 2005 Jan;15(1):24-28. doi: 10.1089/thy.2005.15.24

3. Freedman DB, Halsall D, Marshall WJ, Ellervik C: Thyroid disorders. In: Rifai N, Horvath AR, Wittwer CT: eds. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018:1572-1616

Method Name

Chemiluminometric Immunoassay

Specimen Type

Serum Red


Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: For 12 hours before specimen collection do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.

Supplies: Sarstedt 5 mL Aliquot Tube (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Red Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  30 days
  Ambient  7 days

Reference Values

<9.0 IU/mL

Reference values apply to all ages.

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

86376

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
TPO Thyroperoxidase Ab, S 8099-4

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
TPO Thyroperoxidase Ab, S 8099-4
Mayo Clinic Laboratories | Neurology Catalog Additional Information:

mml-Behavioral, mml-Movement-Disorders, mml-Neuroimmunology, mml-Pediatric