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Serum TBG level

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Blood test
Blood test

Alternative Names    Return to top

Serum thyroxine binding globulin; TBG level

Definition    Return to top

Serum TBG level is a blood test to measure the level of a protein that moves thyroid hormone throughout your body. The protein is called thyroxine binding globulin (TBG).

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.

Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

The sample is then taken to the laboratory where it is examined using special tests such as electrophoresis or radioimmunoassay.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

Certain drugs and medicines can affect test results. Your doctor may tell you to temporarily stop taking a certain medicine before the test. Never stop taking any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

The following drugs can increase TBG levels:

The following drugs can decrease TBG levels:

Certain medical conditions may also affect TBG levels. For example, TBG results may be increased in people with acute intermittent porphyria, HIV, or severe liver disease. They may be reduced in people with kidney failure or liver disease.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

This test may be done to diagnose problems with your thyroid, including thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism.

Normal Results    Return to top

If electrophoresis is used, normal values may range from 10 mg/100 mL - 24 mg/100 mL.

If radioimmunoassay is used, then a normal range is 1.3 - 2.0 mg/100 mL.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

Increased TBG levels may be due to:

Note: TBG levels are normally high in newborns.

Decreased TBG levels may be due to:

Risks    Return to top

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

Update Date: 5/7/2008

Updated by: Frank A. Greco, MD, PhD, Director, Biophysical Laboratory, The Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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