What does thyroglobulin antibody >500 mean?

  Thyroglobulin antibodies are autoantibodies to thyroglobulin and are closely related to damage to thyroid tissue. The antibodies are mainly found in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease and non-thyroidal autoimmune diseases, and can be detected in a few healthy individuals.  The reference value for antithyroglobulin antibodies varies depending on the test method, but most test results should be between 0 and 100 IU/mL. If the test value is >500 IU/mL, it indicates a significant elevation, commonly seen in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, etc.  Therefore, thyroglobulin antibodies greater than 500 IU/mL should be promptly referred to a doctor to further define the type of pathology in conjunction with clinical manifestations and laboratory tests, thyroid ultrasound, and MRI results. If the thyroid function TSH, FT3 and FT4 are not abnormal and only the antibodies are abnormal, there is no need to treat with medication, just pay attention to observation and review the thyroid function regularly. If hypothyroidism is present, oral levothyroxine is required.