Thyroglobulin antibody
Key points
- Antithyroglobulin antibody is a test to measure antithyroglobulin antibodies in the blood.
- Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
- Usually, you will be asked to refrain from eating (and sometimes drinking) overnight.
- The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust.
Alternative names
Thyroid antithyroglobulin antibody; Antithyroglobulin antibody
Definition
Antithyroglobulin antibody is a test to measure antithyroglobulin antibodies in the blood. Thyroglobulin is a protein that is present in thyroid cells. (See "Why the test is performed.")
How the test is performed
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a band or blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the veins below the band to swell.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children:
The area is cleaned with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
How to prepare for the test
Fasting may be required. Usually, you will be asked to refrain from eating (and sometimes drinking) overnight. Medications that may interfere with correct results will be monitored or discontinued until after the test.
Infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
How the test will feel
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.