Thyroglobulin, Quantitative Blood Work Test

A Thyroglobulin, Quantitative test measures the level of thyroglobulin in your blood. Thyroglobulin is a protein produced by the thyroid gland, and measuring its levels can be useful in several situations:

Monitoring for recurrence of thyroid cancer: After treatment for thyroid cancer, such as surgery or radioactive iodine therapy, measuring thyroglobulin levels can help monitor for the recurrence of cancer. Thyroglobulin is often used as a tumor marker for thyroid cancer, and an increase in thyroglobulin levels may indicate the presence of cancer.

Assessment of thyroid function: Measuring thyroglobulin levels can also help assess thyroid function. In healthy individuals, thyroglobulin levels are typically low, and an increase in thyroglobulin levels may be a sign of thyroid dysfunction.

Evaluation of thyroid nodules: Thyroglobulin levels may also be used in the evaluation of thyroid nodules, which are growths or lumps on the thyroid gland. Measuring thyroglobulin levels in combination with other tests such as ultrasound and biopsy can help determine whether a nodule is cancerous or non-cancerous.

Monitoring treatment for thyroid disorders: Thyroglobulin levels can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for thyroid disorders such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Your doctor may also order other tests such as thyroid function tests, a thyroid ultrasound, or a fine needle aspiration biopsy to help diagnose and manage thyroid disorders. It’s important to discuss your symptoms and medical history with your doctor to determine the appropriate tests and treatments for your individual situation.