antibody question -- Elaine

September 8, 2003

Hi Elaine,

I have just read your Suite 101 article on antibodies again, probably for

the twelfth time, but alas, I need to verify if my understanding is

correct. On Friday, I requested TSI, TBII and TPO-Ab tests, but I still

wasn't sure if I covered all the bases. This issue of what tests are needed

to determine whether one has no antibody activity has me a bit confused. I

am aware that for GD the primary test one wants is TSI, and that it should

register <2% activity in order to be assured that stimulating antibodies

are absent. But what about blocking and binding? Wouldn't it be best to

make sure that those are gone as well? Or is that superfluous, as if there

is no TSI and one is euthyroid, then there you go -- remission?

I asked for TBII as this one was suggested by another endo I saw, but I

don't know if it is that useful. I thought that it would let me know if

there were blocking antibodies in case TSI were absent but I was hypO (not

sure where my FT levels are right now, but had those done as well). My TSH

moved up very fast, so that is why I am thinking blocking or binding

antibodies may be present (or perhaps I was just overdosed given my mild

case of hyperT). I have no eye problems right now (thankfully) so I am

guessing that I don't have blocking antibodies, but I don't know if that is

the way to tell. Anyway, sorry if I'm rambling on. I just don't want to go

off the medication if I am at risk for prompt relapse, and my endo isn't

helpful when it comes to antibody testing (he's not a believer). I can get

the tests I want, but I have to know what exactly to ask for.

So which tests are useful and sufficient? TSI, TBII, TRAb blocking?

TBAb/TSAb -- is this the test for blocking antibodies?

Thank you,

Recommended Posts