The goals of testing include detecting thyroid dysfunction,
diagnosing Graves disease, and monitoring Treatment. To detect
thyroid dysfunction, testing may begin with: - TSH — typically
low in Graves disease - Total or free T4 — usually elevated -
Total or free T3 — often elevated The above tests may also be
ordered periodically to monitor thyroid function and hormone
production. - Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) — The
presence of this antibody is diagnostic for Graves disease. -
Thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) — less
specific than TSI - Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO)
— This autoantibody is found in most people with Graves disease
as well as in Hashimoto thyroiditis. - Radioactive iodine uptake
— For this test, a capsule or "cocktail" containing a measured
amount of radioactive iodine is swallowed; iodine is a critical
component of thyroid hormones. The iodine accumulates in the
thyroid; more accumulates when the gland is overactive, as
occurs in Graves disease. Afte