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Thyroid
TPO antibodies test
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies. A sensitive antibody for autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's, Graves').
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Thyroid peroxidase, or TPO, is a protein your thyroid uses to make its hormones. TPO antibodies can be a sign that your immune system is targeting your thyroid.
Why it matters for women
Hashimoto’s, an immune condition and the most common cause of an underactive thyroid, is much more common in women. Women with these antibodies may have a higher chance of thyroid changes after giving birth and an underactive thyroid later on, and the antibodies have been linked to a higher chance of miscarriage.
You might check it if…
- you’re planning a pregnancy or recently had a baby
- thyroid disease runs in your family
- a past TSH result was slightly high
- you live with another autoimmune condition, such as celiac disease
What your result may mean
High TPO antibodies: what it may mean
High TPO antibodies may point to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an immune condition that can cause an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). They can also appear with Graves' disease and with thyroid inflammation after giving birth (postpartum thyroiditis). These antibodies can be present while TSH is still normal, and some people with them may not develop thyroid problems. Women with TPO antibodies may have a higher chance of thyroid changes after birth, and the antibodies may be linked to miscarriage, so a clinician may follow TSH closely before and during pregnancy. Some people may notice tiredness, feeling cold or a swollen neck (goiter), and others may have no symptoms.
Low TPO antibodies: what it may mean
Low or negative TPO antibodies may make autoimmune thyroid disease less of a concern, but they can't rule it out on their own. Some people with Hashimoto's may test negative, and thyroglobulin antibodies can occasionally be the only positive result. If TSH is still out of range, a clinician may look for non-immune reasons, such as thyroid medicine dose, iodine intake or recent illness. Antibody levels can fall during pregnancy, so a negative result in pregnancy may carry less weight. Before pregnancy, a negative result can be reassuring about thyroid changes after birth, though it can't exclude them.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.