What does the Anti-TPO . test mean?

Article written by Master, Doctor Do Thi Hoang Ha - Laboratory Department - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

Thyroid Peroxidase – Thyroid-specific peroxidase (TPO) enzyme is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum, and then transported to the plasma membrane of the apical region of thyroid cells. Thyroid peroxidase is an enzyme involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, helping to attach iodine molecules to the protein framework of thyroglobulin.
Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase (Anti TPO - Thyroid Antibody) is an antibody produced by the body (autoantibody) because the body's immune system confuses thyroid components with proteins. strange", this autoantibody will attack the enzyme TPO, causing a decrease or stop the synthesis of thyroid hormone. This process will lead to thyroid damage, dysfunction and chronic inflammation, if severe and prolonged, it will lead to hypothyroidism or thyroid cancer.
Anti TPO test is a test to quantify the concentration of antibodies against Thyroid Peroxidase enzyme in the body by immunological method.

The physician and nurse in charge will give the patient instructions to prepare for the blood sample collection:
It is best to fast for 10-12 hours before drawing blood Stop all forms of heavy exercise 24-48 hours before taking blood. The nurse will explain the sampling procedure to the patient and/or family members with peace of mind and cooperation:
Sampling position: blood collection in sitting position, in case the patient is unable to sit, blood can be drawn. in a lying position. Determine the sampling site: venous blood M anterior to the elbow. In infants and young children, venous blood can be drawn from the forehead, back of hand, and heel. Blood collection tubes used in Anti TPO test are non-anticoagulant tubes, EDTA anticoagulant tubes, Heparin anticoagulant tubes, Sodium Fluoride anticoagulant tubes. The test is performed on serum and plasma samples. Samples that have not been tested immediately can be stable for 3 days at 2-8oC and one month at -20oC (samples are thawed only once and tested within 2 hours after thawing).

Anti-TPO test is often used to assist clinicians in diagnosing autoimmune thyroiditis, differential diagnosis of thyroid disease due to autoimmune or other causes. , as well as helping clinicians make treatment decisions for patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.
When the clinician suspects that the patient has an autoimmune disorder, in which the concentration of Anti-TPO antibodies increases gradually over time, the test will be repeated 1-2 times after the first test. Levels that increase over time are more clinically significant than steady-state levels because they reflect an increase in the body's autoimmune activity.
Anti-TPO test is also recommended in pregnant women with a personal and family history of thyroid dysfunction, if the mother's blood anti-TPO level is high, it also affects the health of the baby. fetal development.
Currently, the Anti TPO test can be done quickly and easily at Vinmec International General Hospital.
For detailed advice, please come directly to Vinmec health system or register online HERE.