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Thyroid

TRAb Test: TSH Receptor Antibodies Blood Test

TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) target the TSH receptor on thyroid cells. These antibodies are primarily associated with Graves' disease and may either stimulate or block thyroid function. Your healthcare provider can help interpret what your TRAb results mean for your thyroid health.

Turnaround up to 72 hours, estimate Turnaround: up to 72 hours after your blood draw (estimate).

Reference Ranges

No established reference range

There is no generally accepted reference value for TSH-receptor antibodies. The NVKC states that no general normal values are available: reference values depend on the assay used and differ between laboratories. The Dutch thyroid guideline therefore states that an absolute cut-off cannot be formulated, because the available assays are not standardised against one another. In practice the upper limits used by Dutch laboratories for this one test span more than a five-fold range, and even the unit printed on the report differs (E/l, U/l, IU/l, kU/l and AU/l are all used for the same quantity). So do not convert your result. The guideline judges the result relative to the laboratory itself: a value above three times the performing laboratory's own upper limit is considered clinically relevant, and that laboratory states its upper limit on your report. Discuss your result with your GP.

Unit: kU/l

Reference values can vary between laboratories. Discuss your results with your GP for explanation and treatment decisions.

TSH Receptor Antibodies: what this test measures

This test measures antibodies that bind to the TSH receptor on thyroid cells. These may include stimulating antibodies that cause overactive thyroid function or blocking antibodies that may reduce thyroid activity. TRAb testing is commonly used by healthcare providers to evaluate and monitor autoimmune thyroid disease.

TSH Receptor Antibodies: why this value matters

TRAb testing may help your healthcare provider diagnose Graves' disease, predict the likelihood of relapse after treatment, and make decisions about ongoing management. In pregnant women, TRAb levels may be monitored as these antibodies can cross the placenta and potentially affect the baby's thyroid function.

TSH Receptor Antibodies: how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Results
Turnaround: up to 72 hours after your blood draw (estimate).
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

TSH Receptor Antibodies: when is testing worthwhile?

Your healthcare provider may recommend TRAb testing when Graves' disease is suspected, to differentiate between causes of hyperthyroidism, to assess relapse risk after completing antithyroid medication, or during pregnancy when there is a history of Graves' disease. Timing of testing may depend on your specific clinical situation.

TSH Receptor Antibodies: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Low or undetectable TRAb levels are generally considered normal and typically do not cause symptoms. The absence of these antibodies may suggest that Graves' disease is less likely as a cause of hyperthyroidism. Your healthcare provider will consider other factors alongside TRAb results for a comprehensive assessment.

High Levels

Some people with elevated TRAb may experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including unexplained weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, or Graves' eye disease. Symptoms may vary depending on whether the antibodies are stimulating or blocking. Consult your healthcare provider for evaluation.

TSH Receptor Antibodies: lifestyle and this value

While lifestyle measures alone may not directly reduce TRAb levels, some people find that stress management, adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking may support overall thyroid health. Selenium supplementation has been studied in relation to Graves' eye disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements or making significant changes.

TSH Receptor Antibodies: frequently asked questions

What is the difference between TRAb and TSI?

TRAb is a broader category of antibodies that bind to the TSH receptor, which may include both stimulating and blocking types. TSI specifically measures the stimulating antibodies. Your healthcare provider may request one or both tests depending on the clinical question being addressed.

Can TRAb levels predict Graves' disease relapse?

Research suggests that TRAb levels measured at the end of antithyroid medication treatment may help predict the likelihood of relapse. Higher levels at treatment completion may be associated with greater relapse risk. Your healthcare provider can discuss what your specific results mean for your prognosis.

Why are TRAb levels monitored during pregnancy?

TRAb antibodies can cross the placenta and potentially affect the baby's thyroid function. Monitoring TRAb levels during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, may help your healthcare provider assess and manage any risk to the baby. Discuss pregnancy-related thyroid monitoring with your provider.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Turnaround 48 hours, estimate

Thyroid test

TSH and total T3.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Total T3 (Triiodothyronine)
€89,-
Turnaround 48 hours, estimate

Full blood test

Twenty values from one draw: liver, kidneys, lipids, glucose, blood count, thyroid, iron and inflammation.

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Total Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Glucose (Fasting) Hemoglobin Hematocrit Erythrocytes (RBC) Leukocytes (WBC) MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) Platelets (Thrombocytes) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Ferritin CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
€199,-

Results without a doctor's assessment

You receive your values with the unit and reference range. A doctor's assessment is not part of this site. Discuss your results with your GP for explanation and treatment decisions.

TSH Receptor Antibodies

€65,-