Thyroid Test

Problems with your thyroid gland can have major repercussions to your body. If your thyroid is over-active (Hyperthyroidism) or under-active (Hypothyroidism) it can be caused by antibodies you are producing attacking the production of thyroid hormones.

Our thyroid test checks the levels of these antibodies and can confirm you have autoimmune thyroiditis (thyroid problems caused by your immune system). It can also help rule out autoimmune thyroiditis if you have already been diagnosed as with Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism.

Our test requires a pin-prink blood sample taken safely and painlessly with the included tool. You then send your sample to the laboratory in a pre-paid envelope and your confidential results are returned within 10 working days.

(Test turnaround may take up to 15 working days)

£61.23

1 per pack

(Code: 4008)

What is your Thyroid Gland?

Your thyroid is a small gland that lies at the front of the neck. A healthy thyroid is about the size of a ten pence piece and usually can’t be felt through the skin. The thyroid produces hormones that act on almost all the tissues and organs in the body.
They are important for two main reasons:
1. They stimulate the growth of the developing child.
2. They increase metabolism.

What is Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid Disease is typically a malfunction of the thyroid gland where the immune system destroys or stimulates thyroid tissue.
It is often caused by autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, in which the body’s immune system reacts against the thyroid gland gradually making it inactive and causing hypothyroidism
Alternatively Grave’s disease stimulates the production of thyroid hormones causing hyperthyroidism.

Risk Factors

* Female
* Aged 50 or older
* Previous therapy for hyperthyroidism
* Long-term use of drugs affecting thyroid function
* Hypercholesterolemia
* Depression
* Family history of thyroid disease
* Personal or family history of other autoimmune disease

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid gland)

* Weight gain
* Fatigue
* Sensitivity to cold
* Dry or brittle hair
* Constipation
* Muscle cramps
* Depression
* Goitre – enlargement of the thyroid gland

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (over-active Thyroid gland)

* Rapid weight loss
* Increased appetite
* Palpitations
* High blood pressure
* Sweating
* Goitre – enlargement of the thyroid gland
* Muscular weakness
* Eye problems – inflammation, swelling of tissue surrounding the eye, bulging of the eye

Testing for Thyroid Disease

Autoimmune disease of the thyroid is detected by testing for antibodies in the blood that attack the thyroid gland. Our Antibody Thyroid Test uses ELISA technology to measure autoantibodies to human thyroid peroxidase (TPO).

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an important enzyme involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Antibodies to TPO are associated with both Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Grave's disease.
The presence of anti-TPO antibodies unequivocally confirms autoimmune thyroiditis and they are frequently the only indication of underlying disease.
The detection of anti-TPO autoantibodies if you are having thyroid problems is evidence against goitre or hypothyroidism not caused by autoimmune conditions.

Results & Treatment

If your levels are above the normal range then you need to consult your healthcare professional.

Hypothyroidism can be treated with hormone replacement drugs while hyperthyroidism is treated with drugs, radioactive iodine treatment or surgery. Once treated, the majority of people lead a normal life.

Sample requirements and test turnaround
Only a pin-prick blood sample is required. Results are available within 10 working days