What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're a thyroid cancer survivor who has had treatment for papillary, follicular, or Hurthle cell carcinoma and needs ongoing monitoring. It helps check whether the cancer has come back or if any thyroid tissue remains after surgery or radioactive iodine treatment. This is typically used as a follow-up test rather than an initial diagnostic tool.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a normal thyroglobulin level looks like after treatment. If your thyroglobulin autoantibodies come back positive, your thyroglobulin number will be measured with a more specialized method to keep the result accurate. Depending on your history, retesting every few months to a year is common to catch any changes early, and you can track your levels over time using the trends feature. The standard lab report is also available to download directly from your account.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Since this is mainly a monitoring test, most people using it don't have new symptoms — it's part of a routine follow-up schedule after thyroid cancer treatment. That said, a new lump or swelling in the neck, unexplained voice changes, or difficulty swallowing after treatment could be reasons to check your thyroglobulin sooner. If you notice any of these changes, it's worth getting tested rather than waiting for your next scheduled check.

How can I naturally support thyroid health after cancer treatment?

While thyroglobulin monitoring isn't something lifestyle changes can directly influence, supporting your overall health can help your body recover and manage stress better. Eating a balanced diet with enough iodine (unless advised otherwise), staying active, and getting good sleep all support general wellness during recovery. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol can also help your body heal and respond better to any needed treatments.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. This timeframe allows for the extra step of checking for thyroglobulin antibodies first, since that determines which testing method is used for the main thyroglobulin measurement. You'll get a notification once your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is designed for people who have already been treated for papillary, follicular, or Hurthle cell thyroid cancer, typically through surgery and sometimes radioactive iodine. It's used as part of ongoing follow-up care to watch for signs the cancer has returned. If you had thyroid cancer surgery and haven't had recent thyroglobulin monitoring, this is a good test to schedule.

What is thyroglobulin and why does it matter?

Thyroglobulin is a protein made only by thyroid tissue, including thyroid cancer cells. After your thyroid gland is removed or treated for cancer, your thyroglobulin level should drop very low or become undetectable. If it starts rising again, that can be an early sign the cancer has returned, which is why doctors use it as a key marker for monitoring.

What does high thyroglobulin mean after treatment?

A rising or higher-than-expected thyroglobulin level after thyroid cancer treatment can suggest that some thyroid tissue or cancer cells remain or have come back. It doesn't automatically mean cancer has returned, but it's a signal that follow-up imaging or closer monitoring may be needed. Tracking the trend over several tests is more useful than a single number.

What causes false or misleading thyroglobulin results?

About 1 in 5 people develop antibodies to thyroglobulin, and these antibodies can interfere with standard tests, making results look artificially low or unreliable. That's why this panel first checks for those antibodies before measuring thyroglobulin itself. If antibodies are present, a different lab method (mass spectrometry) is used instead, since it isn't affected by antibody interference.

How often should I retest?

Retesting frequency depends on your cancer treatment history and how your levels have looked in the past, but many people are monitored every 6 to 12 months. Some people who have had a recent rise in levels may be tested more frequently. Using the trends feature to track your results over time can help you and any specialist you're working with spot patterns early.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Thyroglobulin Test - Thyroid Cancer Monitoring

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]