TSH Receptor Antibodies (TRAb)
TRAb test detects antibodies that affect TSH receptors, helping diagnose autoimmune thyroid diseases like Graves’ disease.
TSH Receptor Antibodies (TRAb) Test is a blood test that measures autoantibodies targeting the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors on thyroid cells. These antibodies can either stimulate or block the thyroid gland’s function and are most commonly associated with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism.
🔍 Why It’s Done:
To confirm a diagnosis of Graves’ disease
To differentiate between Graves’ disease and other causes of hyperthyroidism
To assess the risk of neonatal thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease
To monitor response to treatment in Graves’ disease and predict the risk of relapse
🧪 Interpretation:
Positive TRAb: Typically indicates Graves’ disease or autoimmune hyperthyroidism
Negative TRAb: Makes Graves’ disease less likely but doesn’t completely rule it out
The TRAb test is an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune thyroid disorders, providing precise insights into thyroid activity and immune involvement, especially in complex or borderline cases.