TSH Receptor Antibody
TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) are immune proteins that bind the receptor your thyroid uses to sense TSH. This test helps identify antibody-driven thyroid disease, most often Graves'.
These antibodies can either stimulate or block the TSH receptor, influencing whether the thyroid becomes overactive or underactive. Measuring TRAb helps confirm the cause of thyroid dysfunction and guide treatment decisions. It is also valuable in pregnancy because the antibodies can cross to the baby.
A positive or elevated TRAb supports an autoimmune cause such as Graves' disease and can help explain an overactive thyroid. Levels are sometimes tracked to gauge disease activity or likelihood of remission. Your clinician interprets it with your hormone results.
A negative or normal result makes antibody-driven thyroid disease less likely, though it does not exclude every cause of thyroid dysfunction.
TRAb is reported against a lab-specific cutoff, with negative results expected in people without autoimmune thyroid disease. Your clinician can explain the meaning of any positive value.
Sources
Educational context only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex; always discuss your results with a clinician.
Associations to explore with a clinician, not a diagnosis from a single number.