The thyroid gland (TG) is the organ responsible for metabolism throughout the body by producing hormones, and it is the thyroid gland that is mostly affected by autoimmunity which leads to its malfunction. Some of the best known diseases in this category are Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, which often cause a malfunction of the gland called hypothyroidism (underactive) or hyperthyroidism (overactive).

Analyses included in the package:

• Anti-TPO (antibodies to microsomal thyroperoxidase)
• Antibodies to TSH receptors
• TSH (ultrasensitive)
• Anti-TG (antibodies to thyroglobulin)

Anti-TPO

• Autoantibodies that are directed against the enzyme thyroperoxidase, located in the thyroid cells. Thyroperoxidase plays an important role in the synthesis of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones.

Antibodies to the TSH receptor

• Able to stimulate or conversely block the work of TSH receptors, which leads to impaired thyroid function.

TSH (ultrasensitive)

• A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is responsible for maintaining normal levels of T3 and T4.

Anti-TG (thyroglobulin antibodies)

• Produced by the immune system against thyroglobulin which is a protein that plays a key role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).

The analyses included in the Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases package include specific markers directed against the precursors of thyroid hormones, which are significantly important in the diagnoses of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.