Why is this procedure done?
Thyroglobulin is also called Tg. It is a protein that is made by normal thyroid cells and some kinds of thyroid cancer cells. A Tg level may be used as a tumor marker for different kinds of thyroid cancers. This test also checks to also see how much thyroid you have left. Your doctor may order this test to: ‚
- Learn more about problems with your thyroid gland
- Learn if your treatments are working
- See if your cancer has returned or is getting worse
- Check before changing your drugs
- Go along with other tests
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and what is normal. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- Small amounts of thyroglobulin are normal if your thyroid is working in a normal way.
- If you have thyroid cancer and the Tg levels are high, Tg levels can be used as a tumor marker. They should go down after your thyroid is taken out. If they do not, your doctor may suggest more treatment.
- If you have had thyroid cancer and your Tg levels are getting higher, your cancer may be coming back.
- If the results are not normal, you may have other problems with your thyroid or some other illness.
- Your doctor may order another test to verify the diagnosis.
What happens before the procedure?
Talk to your doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Your doctor may tell you to stop some drugs that may affect the results of the test, like drugs to replace the thyroid hormone.
- If you have any bleeding problems
- Any tests you have had with radioactive materials or x-rays that used iodine dye within the last 4 to 6 weeks. The TG test may not be correct if you had iodine contrast material.
- If you are under severe stress or have a long-term chronic illness
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood for TG levels. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your TG. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/thyroglobulin/tab/glance/ ‚
American Thyroid Association ‚
http://www.thyroid.org/blood-test-for-thyroid/ ‚
Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association, Inc. ‚
http://www.thyca.org/pap-fol/more/thyroglobulin/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚