How to Read AMA Test Report
Antithyroid Microsomal Antibody (AMA) Test:An antimicrosomal antibody test, also known as antithyroid microsomal antibody test or thyroid peroxidase test, is done to diagnose thyroid problems or other autoimmune conditions. This test measures the amount of antithyroid antibodies in the blood. These antibodies suggest a damaged thyroid gland or presence of other autoimmune conditions.
Factors involved to understand the normal range of Antithyroid Microsomal Antibody (AMA) levels:
- What is the normal range of AMA test?
- What does negative result of AMA test mean?
- What does positive result of AMA test mean?
- Causes of positive Antimicrosomal antibodies test
- Precautions to be taken to maintain normal levels of Antimicrosomal antibodies
- Are there any risks associated with Antimicrosomal antibody test?
- What other tests are ordered along with Antimicrosomal Antibody test?
What is the normal range of AMA test?
Normal result of the test is the absence of antimicrosomal antibodies in the blood. If present, in healthy individuals, the normal AMA levels are generally below 35 IU/ml blood.
What does negative result of AMA test mean?
Negative test results indicate the absence of thyroglobulin antibodies in the blood. However, this could also indicate that the antibodies are not present at a measurable level during the time of test. False negative results could be obtained due to temporary rise in the antibodies level or due to certain medications. Hence, it important to review the negative results again.
What does positive result of AMA test mean?
Significantly high levels of antibodies indicate Auto Immune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, primary myxedema, and Graves’ disease. A positive result of these antibodies may mean a person has a higher chance of developing thyroid disease in the future.
Moderately elevated levels of antibodies could also indicate autoimmune disorders such as thyroid cancer, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, pernicious anemia, and autoimmune collagen vascular diseases.
High levels of these antibodies in pregnant women is linked with recurrent miscarriages, preeclampsia, premature birth, high risk of abortion, IVF failure, and other obstetrics complications.
Causes of positive Antimicrosomal antibodies test
Antimicrosomalantibodies may also be seen in the blood if a person has other autoimmune conditions such as:
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Autoimmune adrenal diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjogren syndrome
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Precautions to be taken to maintain normal levels of Antimicrosomal antibodies
Some below mention measures help to Lower TPO Antibodies -
Dietary modifications can benefit the body by decreasing the amount of autoantibodies developed. Eliminating foods that might cause inflammation in your body can help reduce the antibody levels. Removing these foods from the diet can also make you feel better. Reducing intake of soy is often recommended as it can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine.
Testosterone and DHEA supplements are also helpful in reducing antibody levels. Certain vitamins and minerals are also beneficial in improving the immune system and reducing the levels of thyroid antibodies. Selenium supplements can help lower the TPO antibodies in people with autoimmune thyroid disorders. Consult a healthcare provider for exact measures to be taken to maintain the level.
Doctors advise people at risk of thyroid disorder to stop smoking, as cigarette smoke has several toxins that affect the thyroid. It is also advised to ask for a thyroid collar before undergoing < a href="https://www.medifee.com/tests/x-ray-cost/">X-ray tests.
Are there any risks associated with Antimicrosomal antibody test?
There is a little risk involved with collecting a blood sample for a blood test. Obtaining the sample from some people may be difficult as compared to others. Risks associated with a blood test may include excessive bleeding, fainting or feeling lightheaded, pain from multiple punctures done to locate veins, hematoma, infection, etc. These side effects fade away on their own and may not require medical care.
What other tests are ordered along with Antimicrosomal Antibody test?
Along with this test, the doctor may also order other blood tests to measure the levels of thyroid hormones. These tests include Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test, free T3 and T4 estimation. Often times, a combination of these three tests, called the thyroid test panel, is ordered. In some cases, the tests may be ordered individually. A thyroglobulin test may also be ordered in patients undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer.
One or more thyroid antibody tests, such as Thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) and Thyroid stimulation receptor antibodies (TSHRAb), may also be ordered in any person with an autoimmune condition who might be at risk of thyroid dysfunction. Imaging tests such as thyroid scan and thyroid neck check are also recommended. Follow up testing is often advised to check for the progression of the disorder or to monitor the effectiveness of the ongoing treatment.
No special preparations are required for this test. Antimicrosomal antibody test is not a routinely ordered test and is only ordered when a person shows symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. A positive result does not always mean a person might have a thyroid condition. So, it is important to discuss the results of your test with a health care practitioner to understand what they might mean for you.
Talk to your doctor if you need to stop taking medicines prior to the test. If required, the doctor may give special instructions to prepare for the test. Let your healthcare provider know about all the medicines, herbs, vitamins, or supplements, that you may be taking. Thyroid hormone replacement medications can affect the test results, so be sure to let your doctor know if you are undergoing any treatment.
