Positive tests may indicate the following:

• Hashimotos thyroiditis
• Graves disease
• Idiopathic Myxedema
• Postpartum thyroiditis
• Nontoxic Nodular Goiter
• Thyroid cancer

TPO is also known as thyroid peroxidase or iodide peroxidase which is an enzyme mainly expressed in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is positioned at the lower part of the neck. TPO is found in the cells of the thyroid follicle where it helps in the production of the thyroid hormones. Its basic function is to oxidize iodide ions to form iodine atoms which assist in the production of thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3), the thyroid hormones. TPO is an antigenic determinant of autoantibodies in diseases like autoimmune disorders of the thyroid. These antibodies are called as anti-TPO antibodies (anti-Thyroid peroxidase antibodies) which activates complement and might be associated with dysfunction of thyroid and its pathogenesis. To assess these antibodies, Anti-TPO antibody test is carried out.

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid or low thyroid is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It can be commonly caused by intake of low iodine diet or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease). Less common causes include previous treatment with radioactive iodine, injury to the pituitary gland which secretes TSH, intake of certain medicines, previous thyroid surgery or a lack of a functioning thyroid gland at birth.

This test is performed on a blood sample. A syringe with a fine needle attached is used to withdraw blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm generally from the inner side of the elbow area. The doctor, nurse or the phlebotomist will tie an elastic band around your arm which will help the blood vessels to swell with blood and hence makes it easier to withdraw blood. You may be asked to tightly clench your fist. Once the veins are clearly visible, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then the needle is inserted into the blood vessel to collect the sample. You may feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. Blood sample once collected is then sent to the laboratory.

There is no risk associated with the test. However, as this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, rarely, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma (blood collection under the skin) formation, bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

No, there is no special preparation required for the test.

It is an enzyme which is produced by the thyroid gland and it plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormones. Sometimes, antibodies are formed against this enzyme for which Anti TPO antibody test is required.

An autoimmune disorder is a condition when your bodys immune system starts to attack parts of the body such as joints or skin mistaking it for foreign bodies. Autoantibodies start to release in the body which attacks the healthy cells.

The risk factor includes family history, obesity, smoking, blood pressure medications, cholesterol lowering medications and antibiotics.

It is an autoimmune disease where the bodys immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This condition leads to hypothyroidism in which the thyroid gland starts to produce fewer thyroid hormones. A person having a family history of Hashimotos thyroiditis or taking too much iodine or getting exposed to radiation fall under the risk of having Hashimotos thyroiditis. The symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, paleness or puffiness of the face, joint and muscle pain, constipation, joint and muscle pain, thinning or loss of hair, slowed heart rate, depression, irregular or heavy menstrual periods.

It is an early form of hypothyroidism in which sufficient thyroid hormones are not produced by the thyroid gland. It can be seen in persons who have a family history of autoimmune disorders of thyroid or injury to thyroid or use of radioactive iodine therapy or with the use of medications containing iodine or lithium. The symptoms include fatigue, depression, constipation, weight gain, goiter, hair loss, intolerance to cold.

If the Anti TPO test results are not in the normal range, your doctor may ask for the following tests:nThyroid Hormone Binding Globulin (TBG)nThyroid profile