Anti-TPO, Plasma

Diagnostic Use

Anti-TPO antibodies are autoantibodies produced against an enzyme important for thyroid hormone synthesis (thyroid peroxidase).

Anti-TPO antibodies are measured when investigating a patient with suspected autoimmune thyroid disease.

Department

Core Biochemistry

Delphic Registration Code

THY

Synonyms

Anti-microsomal antibodies
Microsomal antibodies
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies

Turnaround Time

3 hours

Test Code

7760

Specimen Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Serum (Red Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4.5

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.2

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.5

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Samples may be stored off the red blood cells if testing is not done completed within 8 hours. Separated specimens are stable for up to 48 hours at 2-8°C. Outside these timeframes, the separated sample must be stored frozen at -20°C or colder.

Interpretation

Anti-TPO antibodies are elevated in up to 90% of patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and up to 70% of patients with Graves’ disease.

Asymptomatic seropositive patients are at increased risk of developing thyroid disease in the future. However it is not recommended to measure anti-TPO in the absence of thyroid disease.

Anti-TPO positivity is considered by some to be an indication to start thyroxine treatment in a pregnant woman with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Reference Intervals

Test Method

CMIA Method, Beckman Coulter DxI 800 analyser with Beckman Coulter Access reagents

Non-Funded Test Cost

$14.41 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

7760

Contact Information

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