Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies

TPO is an enzyme found in the thyroid gland that is used in the production of thyroid hormones. The presence of antibodies indicates two things: (1) the person has a thyroid disease and (2) the thyroid disease is the result of an autoimmune disorder like Graves disease or Hashimotos disease. These antibodies, made by the bodys own immune system, mistakenly attack the normal thyroid tissue, causing inflammation impaired thyroid function.

The TPO antibody test can help confirm thyroid disease and determine the cause of the thyroid disease. It can also be administered to a pregnant woman with a thyroid disease like Graves disease or Hashimotos disease to help understand the risk of her baby developing thyroid disease.

Sometimes TPO antibodies are present in people with normal thyroid functioning. These people typically have a greater chance of developing future thyroid disorders. This test is part of a routine check-up for these people to help monitor their conditions.