TRAb (TSH Receptor Binding Antibody)

Overview:

These antibodies attach to the receptor that TSH normally acts on. In Graves' disease they stimulate it continuously, driving the thyroid to overproduce hormone regardless of the pituitary signal, which is why the condition causes an overactive thyroid with a suppressed TSH. Detecting them confirms Graves' disease as the cause, distinguishing it from other reasons for an overactive thyroid such as thyroiditis or a nodule, which are managed differently. The test is also used in pregnancy, because these antibodies can cross the placenta and affect the baby's thyroid, and to assess the likelihood of relapse after treatment.

Categories:

Thyroid, Autoimmune

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker