Thyroid Peroxidase Test: All The Facts Behind This Thyroid Problem Diagnosis

Thyroid peroxidase test is a thyroid problem diagnosis tool. It may also be utilized in detecting problems in other parts of the body. See what the positive results of TPO test mean.

The term thyroid peroxidase test may lead you to preclude that it is exclusively conducted for the determination of a thyroid problem. Are there possibilities that it may be good enough for diagnosing other body disorders? What other names are given to this technique in thyroid problem diagnosis? Find out the answers as you read along.

A thyroid peroxidase is one of the enzymes produced by the thyroid gland. It is also regarded as significant in thyroid hormone manufacture. The thyroid hormones we know as T4 and T3 are converted by the thyroid peroxidase in the thyroid follicle cells.

Thyroid peroxidase test

There are actually other names by which the thyroid peroxidase test is known for. It is also referred to as thyroid peroxidase antibody test, antimicrosomal antibody test and antithyroid microsomal antibody test. Much to the names associated with this thyroid problem diagnosis though, is the reason why this test is performed.

A thyroid peroxidase (TPO) test is conducted for a variety of purposes. This test aids as a tool in measuring the antibody levels present in the body in consistency with the TPO. As autoantibodies are produced in the body, the TPO becomes affected as well. The test may then be utilized as a representation of possibilities such as an attack made by the immune system on the thyroid tissues.

What is a positive result TPO?

There are two results which come from the TPO test. The results may either be positive or negative. The former denotes the existence of certain disorders not only in the thyroid but in the entire body as well. Take a look at the following meanings of a positive TPO result:

•    Chronic thyroiditis. Thyroiditis is described as a thyroid disorder which attacks the thyroid through inflammation. With a positive result for a TPO test, this thyroid problem may be manifested. In some cases, the results may also mean a manifestation of other thyroid disorders aside from thyroiditis.

•    Other autoimmune disorders or illnesses. As mentioned earlier, a TPO test is not only done to address and detect the diseases present in the thyroid. In the event that the result of the test is positive, other autoimmune diseases are also determined. The list includes:

o    Sjogrens’ syndrome - inflammation in the lacrimal and salivary glands.
o    Lupus. This condition may be an acute or chronic inflammation of tissues in the body thus causing diseases in the heart, skin, kidney, joints or event he nervous system.
o    Rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune disease chronically affects the joints and inflames the surrounding tissues.
o    Pernicious anemia. This condition is the result of the lack of red blood cells manufactured by the body. This is also a manifestation of the lack of B12 supply in the entire system.

There are 3% of patients which show positive results of TPO test who do not really have any disease at all. It is important that this test be conducted by the medical experts to ensure the viability of the diseases mentioned. It is always a must to go to your doctors for detection of the above-mentioned autoimmune diseases in the thyroid gland and other body parts.