Extended thyroid test that also includes analysis of the antibodies TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies) and TRAK (receptor antibodies). The test is suitable for those who experience symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, palpitations, and hair loss which can be caused by an imbalance in the thyroid hormones. The analysis of TRAK and TPO is carried out in conjunction with other thyroid hormones (T3, T4 and TSH) in order to gain an increased understanding of what causes problems with the thyroid gland and to follow up or identify an autoimmune disease in the thyroid gland such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Thyroid markers analyzed in the test
T3, or triiodothyronine, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. T3 plays a central role in regulating the body's metabolism by affecting how much energy the body uses.
T4, or thyroxine, is another hormone produced by the thyroid gland. T4 is involved in the regulation of metabolism and affects how much energy the body uses.
TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone, is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, a gland in the brain. TSH plays an important role in the regulation of thyroid function by signaling to the thyroid gland to produce more or less of its hormones.
TRAK, or thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies, are formed in the body against the receptors for TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). Analyzed to diagnose and monitor autoimmune diseases such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Graves' disease (a form of hyperthyroidism)
TPO antibodies (thyroperoxidase antibodies) are antibodies that are formed against the enzyme thyroperoxidase (TPO) in the thyroid gland and are analyzed to identify if there is any autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.