Thyroglobulin - serum

Last updated: Tuesday, 30, March, 2004

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Item Process
Specimen

5 mL blood in plain tube.

Method

Immunoassay.

Reference Interval

<38 µg/L. Thyroglobulin should be undetectable in a patient who has had a total thyroidectomy.

Application

Detection of tumour recurrence in thyroid cancer.

Investigation of suspected thyroiditis or thyrotoxicosis factitia.

Interpretation

Detectable levels in patients with thyroid cancer who have had a total thyroidectomy (and who should cease thyroid replacement therapy for 2 weeks prior to testing) indicates the presence of residual tumour.

Stimulation with recombinant TSH prior to testing has been recommended. Levels in thyroiditis and thyro­toxicosis are high, but if thyrotoxicosis is due to self-medication with thyroid hormone, the level is suppressed.

Reference

Mazzaferri EL et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2003; 88(4): 1433-1441.