Thyroglobulin Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, & Normal Range

Table of Content

Introduction to the Thyroglobulin Test

The thyroglobulin test is usually prescribed after the doctor performs thyroid cancer surgery to check if the cancer has returned or not. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland behind your throat that secretes a protein called thyroglobulin. The thyroglobulin test results are higher for people diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Doctors may suggest it routinely to patients with a history of papillary or follicular thyroid cancer. Besides, Tg levels may also be measured to help diagnose certain non-cancerous thyroid conditions. Some common signs and symptoms of high thyroglobulin levels and thyroid hormone issues are anxiety or nervousness, trouble sleeping, poor concentration, constipation, unexplained weight gain or loss, and muscle weakness or tremors.

If your doctor has suggested the test, Redcliffe Labs is one of the best Omnichannel Pan India diagnostic service providers for booking a thyroglobulin test at home. Our highly skilled phlebotomists will come to your home and collect the blood sample. Get the reports delivered to your doorstep as well. So, book a thyroglobulin test at home with Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab, Redcliffe Labs. 

Test Details

When do I need the test?

Your doctor may recommend Tg testing if you are already being treated for thyroid cancer. Suggestions for when you get tested depend on why your doctor is asking for a Tg test. Below are the most common reasons why you should get a test done: 

1. Suppose you were recently operated on for thyroid cancer. In that case, your healthcare provider may want to measure Tg levels to determine whether the treatment successfully eliminated all of your cancerous and noncancerous thyroid cells. This is the postoperative evaluation of Tg levels, usually ordered four to six weeks after surgery.
2. The Tg testing is also done periodically after treatment to monitor the occurrence of thyroid cancer. The measurement of Tg levels is usually ordered every three or six months during the first year following treatment.
3. If your healthcare provider is worried about the condition of your hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, in that case, they may order a Tg test to diagnose these conditions. 

No matter the reason, if your healthcare provider has suggested a test based on signs and symptoms, getting tested in time is crucial to evaluating your thyroid health and taking appropriate measures. 

Purpose of the thyroglobulin test

Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid. The immune system typically targets thyroglobulin and creates thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb). 

The thyroglobulin test is a type of tumor marker test that measures the amount of Tg in the blood. Doctors usually order Tg testing to evaluate the effectiveness of thyroid cancer treatment or to monitor for recurrence after treatment is completed. 

The thyroglobulin test may be performed for several reasons, including: 

• Postoperative Evaluation: If you have recently been treated for thyroid cancer, this testing will help evaluate whether the thyroid cells in the body are effectively eliminated through this treatment. The Tg levels measured six to 12 weeks after the thyroid cancer treatment should be very low. 
• Monitoring if the cancer has returned: A healthcare professional may suggest Tg testing after completing treatment to check the occurrence of the tumor. 
• Prognosis: The Tg levels may be used to assess survival rates and the probability that the cancer will return, which is called your prognosis. 

Besides, if your doctor is concerned about hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, they may order a Tg test to diagnose these conditions. 

Preparation for the Thyroglobulin Test

The thyroglobulin test is a blood test that helps doctors diagnose differentiated thyroid cancer. The test does not require special preparation; however, keeping a few pre-test instructions in mind will help you get the desired test results.

• No fasting: The thyroglobulin test does not require fasting. You can eat your regular meal or drink water before the test. 
• Avoid medications: You are advised not to consume multivitamins or biotin (vitamin B7) before the test, as these could interfere with the results. 
• No vigorous exercise: No vigorous exercise such as cycling, running, or walking briskly to avoid hormone fluctuations and ensure accurate test results. 

If you have doubts or concerns about the test preparations, do not trust anyone except your healthcare provider to ensure the measurements are appropriately taken and the test results are accurate. 

What is the procedure for the thyroglobulin test?

As the test involves blood, a phlebotomist will draw a blood sample from a vein and send it to the laboratory for analysis. If your doctor has suggested the thyroglobulin lab test, here is a step-by-step information that includes the following details: 

• The phlebotomist draws blood from the vein and places an elastic band called a tourniquet around your upper arm to increase the amount of blood in your vein. 
• Then, he inserts the needle into the vein to start the blood collection process and then transfers the blood flowing from the needle into the test tube or small vial. 
• The healthcare professional will apply a bandage to the punctured area to stop blood flow and prevent bleeding. 

Attention: The procedure to draw your blood will take less than five minutes. Usually, you can continue with your daily routine following your blood draw. Inserting and removing the needle may cause slight pain or stinging sensation in your arm. However, the discomfort won’t last long. 

If you notice continued bleeding, discomfort, or signs of infection at the puncture site, consult your doctor immediately. 

What does thyroglobulin measure?

The Tg tests measure the amount of Tg in the blood. The thyroid gland is situated at the front of the neck and below the larynx (voice box). It releases thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are responsible for digestion, fertility, growth, and heart rate. 

T3, T4, and Tg are released into the bloodstream by the thyroid gland in healthy individuals. However, Tg is also produced by papillary and follicular thyroid cancers. Tg levels may be higher in thyroid cancer patients than in healthy individuals.

The benefits of the thyroglobulin test are: 

The thyroglobulin blood test checks carcinogenic cells post-treatment for cancer detected in your thyroid gland. Some of its benefits are as follows: 

• The Tg test shows whether any thyroid cells remain in the body. 
• Even after the surgery, you may still need the test to have your thyroglobulin levels checked for the recurrence of the cancer. 
• The Tg levels can help diagnose two common conditions of the thyroid: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. 

Detailed Understanding of the Thyroglobulin Test Results:

The detailed understanding of the TG test reveals the following: 

• Thyroid cancer cells are either growing or spreading, as indicated by elevated or increased thyroglobulin levels in test results. 
• If the thyroglobulin levels diminished at first but expanded over the long haul, it means the disease's arrival, regardless of effective treatment. 
• If thyroglobulin levels are low, cancer cells have been successfully and completely treated.

What does the thyroglobulin test detect?

The thyroglobulin blood test is a tumor marker test that determines the Tg levels in the body. The doctor uses this test to check for carcinogenic cells post-treatment for thyroid cancer. After one year of thyroid cancer surgery, if the thyroglobulin levels continue to rise in the blood, it indicates the cancer has returned. However, if the Tg levels remain unpredictable, the risk of return is low. 

What does the test report indicate?

The thyroglobulin test report will provide information about the Tg levels detected in the blood in nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). 

The normal range for the thyroglobulin test in a healthy patient is 3 to 40 nanograms per milliliter. However, if the patient’s thyroglobulin level is more than 40 ng/mL after the surgery, the patient may experience a recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer. 

Are there any risks associated with the thyroglobulin test?

No, there is no big risk involved with the thyroglobulin test. You may feel a little prickly or stinging when having your blood taken. Arteries and veins differ from person to person and from one side of the body to another. Drawing a blood sample from some people may be more worrisome, as they may feel dizzy, experience a temporary drop in blood pressure, or even faint. 

Why choose Redcliffe Labs for the Thyroglobulin Test?

You should choose Redcliffe Labs for the Tg test because: 

• We have a team of phlebotomists for the doorstep sample collection. 
• We also offer express slots for the thyroglobulin blood test sample collection in 45 minutes. 
• We assure you that we will protect your blood sample using temperature-control bags. 
• We follow 100% ethical practices and prepare reports according to the instructions of the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 
• We keep the blood testing experience for patients as painless as possible. 

Book Thyroglobulin test at affordable Thyroglobulin Test Price

If your doctor has ordered a thyroglobulin test, you should not wait any longer and get your thyroid health assessed. Book your appointment now to get yourself tested for a thyroglobulin test from Redcliffe Labs and avail of doorstep blood sample collection convenience. The thyroglobulin test price at Redcliffe Labs is Rs. 1900. Express slots are available to get your sample picked within 45 minutes and get accurate reports within a stipulated time. 

Thyroglobulin Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Thyroglobulin Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.