The anti-TPO test is a blood test that measures the levels of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO) in your blood. TPO is an enzyme that helps the thyroid gland produce thyroid hormones. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight off foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. However, sometimes the immune system can mistakenly attack the body's own tissues, as is the case with autoimmune diseases. The anti-TPO test is used to diagnose autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as: Hashimoto's disease : This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Graves' disease : This is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones. The anti-TPO test can also be used to monitor the progression of autoimmune thyroid disease and to assess the effectiveness of treatment. When to perform an anti-TPO test - indicati...
Strategic analysis on geopolitics, financial systems, and Pakistani affairs, blended with personal stories and commentary from Karachi. Written by Munaeem Jamal.