Should one measure serum thyroglobulin in the presence of anti-thyroglobulin antibodies?

Abstract

Thyroglobulin auto-antibodies (anti-Tg) may affect measurement of serum thyroglobulin (Tg). We have assayed sera for Tg by RIA regardless of presence or absence of anti-Tg, and this study was designed to assess the influence of anti-Tg on the results. Binding of human anti-Tg by the second antibody in our RIA (sheep anti-rabbit immunoglobulin) is very low and sera containing anti-Tg of varying titres do not systematically affect assay of Tg regardless of concentration. In our follow-up study of patients with thyroid cancer, correlation between clinical state and Tg concentration is greater than 97% whether anti-Tg is present or absent. These results indicate that in our assay anti-Tg positive sera do not need to be excluded.