Graves' disease test: thyroid antibodies measured

Graves' disease, also called morbus Graves, is a common cause of an overactive thyroid. It is an autoimmune condition: your immune system makes antibodies that stimulate the thyroid to produce excess hormone. This is general information, not a diagnosis.

Standard thyroid values such as TSH, free T4 and free T3 show how active your thyroid is, but not why it is overworking. TSH receptor antibodies can help distinguish Graves' disease from other causes, which is why this panel combines both types of markers.

This test may suit people who:

• have been told their thyroid is overactive and want to investigate the cause
• have symptoms such as palpitations, unintended weight loss, trembling hands or restlessness
• have Graves' disease or other autoimmune thyroid conditions in the family
• already have a Graves' disease diagnosis and want to track their values

A Graves' disease test like this panel gives you a starting point to explore further with a doctor.

This panel measures four biomarkers in your blood:

• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): often suppressed in Graves' disease, because the thyroid is already being driven by antibodies.
• Free T4 (thyroxine): the main thyroid hormone, often elevated in an overactive thyroid.
• Free T3 (triiodothyronine): the more active thyroid hormone, which may also be elevated.
• TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb): antibodies that bind to the TSH receptor on your thyroid and stimulate it. Their presence is a characteristic marker of Graves' disease.

Want to read more about a single value? See the page on TSH receptor antibodies or TSH.

A suppressed TSH together with an elevated free T4 and/or free T3 fits an overactive thyroid. If TSH receptor antibodies are also detectable, that may point to Graves' disease as the underlying cause, rather than, for example, a thyroid nodule or a temporary inflammation.

Antibody levels can fluctuate over time, so a single result is a snapshot. A doctor can review the full pattern of your values and symptoms together.

For this test, blood is drawn at a certified sample point (afnamepunt). In the Netherlands you can choose from 700+ locations, which you pick yourself after ordering.

You arrange this blood test without a referral from your GP and choose a time that suits you. The draw is done by trained staff and usually takes only a few minutes.

As a hyperthyroidism test, this panel can be useful when an overactive thyroid has been found and you want to investigate the cause.

A thyroid antibody test can also be worthwhile if autoimmune disease runs in your family, or if you have a known Graves' disease diagnosis and want to keep tracking your antibodies. What fits your situation is something to discuss with a doctor.

Your report shows each value with a reference range and a short explanation. Positive TSH receptor antibodies together with a suppressed TSH and elevated thyroid hormones form a pattern consistent with Graves' disease.

What counts as a healthy value varies by lab, age and timing, so a single number says little. The result should always be interpreted by a doctor, in the context of your symptoms and history.

For this test you usually do not need to fast, and you can pick a suitable moment yourself.

Do you use thyroid medication or other drugs? Keep to your usual schedule unless your doctor advises otherwise, and mention what you take, as some medicines can affect your thyroid values.

Your results are online within a few working days, with your values, the reference ranges and a clear explanation. If your TSH receptor antibodies or thyroid values fall outside the expected range, this is highlighted.

Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.