Information for referring laboratories: Sample stable at 2 - 8 o C for 3 days. Send frozen if delay is >2 days.
Uncertainty of Measurement : 6%
| Age Range | Male |
|---|---|
| All | >= 1.76 |
| Age Range | Either Sex |
|---|---|
| All | < 1.75[1] |
TSH receptor antibodies (also called Thyrotropin receptor antibodies;TRAbs) are helpful in determining that Grave's Disease (GD) is the cause of a patient presenting with hyperthyroidism. It is particularly useful when Technetium scintigraphy is either unavailable or contra-indicated (for example in pregnancy). TSH receptor Abs are also used to assess the risk of foetal or neonatal hyperthyroidism in pregnant women with GD. Levels should be measured in early pregnancy and again at 22-26 weeks of gestation if found to be elevated. The measurement is not required in pregnant women with GD who are euthyroid, have an intact thyroid and who are not taking anti-thyroid medication. TRABs are sometimes used to assess whether anti-thyroid therapy can be stopped in a patient with GD. The assay has been assessed to have about a 95% sensitivity and 99% specificity for GD.
Reference :
Hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis: Management Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Thyroid 2011;6:593-646
For further information contact the laboratory, (09) 307 4949 ext 22103 or:
Associate Professor Rohan Ameratunga
, Immunopathologist: Locator
93-5724,
If there is going to be a greater than 24 hour delay in sending separated serum to the laboratory, send frozen