TSH RECEPTOR ANTIBODIES

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Specimen: 5 mL blood in plain tube.

Method: Immunoassay, cell stimulation assay.

Reference Interval: Method dependent.

Application: Limited role in diagnosis of Graves’ disease. Occasionally used in monitoring response to treatment and to predict fetal complications in pregnant patients. This test has superseded the insensitive LATS test.

Interpretation: Present in ³80% of patients with Graves’ disease; disappearance with treatment is reported to be correlated with a decreased likelihood of relapse although its predictive significance remains unclear.

Reference: Hashizume K. N Engl J Med 1991; 324: 947-953.

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