Thyroglobulin Antibodies levels: what's normal, high and low
Antibodies against thyroglobulin. Often elevated in Hashimoto's thyroiditis alongside TPO antibodies.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Thyroglobulin Antibodies is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 0.000 – 4.00 IU/mL. At TestWell it's $51.99 all-in as Thyroid Antibodies, results in 3–5 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- IU/mL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 3–5 business days
- Price
- $51.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Thyroglobulin Antibodies Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 0.000 – 4.00 IU/mL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your Thyroglobulin Antibodies result may mean
Often reflects autoimmune thyroid disease. Also followed in patients monitored after thyroid cancer treatment.
What a high Thyroglobulin Antibodies means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a high Thyroglobulin Antibodies mean?
Thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) target the protein the thyroid uses to store hormone. They are found in most people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and many with Graves' disease, but also in about one in ten healthy adults — more often women — without thyroid dysfunction. In thyroid-cancer follow-up they matter for a different reason: they interfere with the thyroglobulin tumor-marker test. TPO antibodies are the more sensitive autoimmune marker; TgAb adds to the picture.
Common causes of a high Thyroglobulin Antibodies
- Hashimoto's (autoimmune) thyroiditis
- Graves' disease
- Healthy individuals, especially women and older adults (low titers)
- Other autoimmune conditions (type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, pernicious anemia)
- Papillary thyroid cancer (present in ~20–25% at diagnosis)
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Often none
- Fatigue, weight change, cold or heat intolerance, neck fullness if thyroid function is abnormal
What clinicians usually check next
- TSH and Free T4 — the antibody only matters if it comes with dysfunction or nodules
- TPO antibodies if not already done
- Thyroid ultrasound for a goiter or nodule
- Annual TSH when function is normal; earlier in pregnancy planning
Follow-up tests at TestWell: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99), Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies ($25.99), Free T4 (Thyroxine) ($23.99).
I have thyroglobulin antibodies but a normal TSH. Do I have Hashimoto's?
You have autoimmune thyroid activity, which may or may not progress. Roughly a few percent per year of antibody-positive people develop hypothyroidism, so a yearly TSH is the usual plan; no treatment is needed while function is normal.
Why do thyroid-cancer patients get this test?
Because TgAb interferes with thyroglobulin, the blood marker used to watch for recurrence. When antibodies are present, their trend becomes a surrogate marker and imaging is relied on more.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a Thyroglobulin Antibodies test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Thyroglobulin Antibodies is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid Antibodies | This marker only | $51.99 |
| Hashimoto's Thyroid Panel | 3 tests | $97.99 |
| Advanced Thyroid Panel | 7 tests | $129.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Thyroglobulin Antibodies: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $51.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $51.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $51.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Thyroid biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Thyroglobulin Antibodies.
Frequently asked
What does a high Thyroglobulin Antibodies mean?
Thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) target the protein the thyroid uses to store hormone. They are found in most people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and many with Graves' disease, but also in about one in ten healthy adults — more often women — without thyroid dysfunction. In thyroid-cancer follow-up they matter for a different reason: they interfere with the thyroglobulin tumor-marker test. TPO antibodies are the more sensitive autoimmune marker; TgAb adds to the picture.
I have thyroglobulin antibodies but a normal TSH. Do I have Hashimoto's?
You have autoimmune thyroid activity, which may or may not progress. Roughly a few percent per year of antibody-positive people develop hypothyroidism, so a yearly TSH is the usual plan; no treatment is needed while function is normal.
Why do thyroid-cancer patients get this test?
Because TgAb interferes with thyroglobulin, the blood marker used to watch for recurrence. When antibodies are present, their trend becomes a surrogate marker and imaging is relied on more.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my thyroglobulin antibodies?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Thyroglobulin Antibodies results?
Most Thyroglobulin Antibodies results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Thyroglobulin Antibodies test cost?
Our Thyroid Antibodies starts at $51.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Thyroglobulin Antibodies test?
Fasting is not required for the Thyroglobulin Antibodies test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my Thyroglobulin Antibodies test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your thyroglobulin antibodies?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $51.99.