Harmonization in autoimmune thyroid disease diagnostics

摘要

In this review we analyze all aspects of total testing process regarding the measurement of antithyroid peroxidase, antithyroglobulin and antithyrotropin receptor autoantibodies. The main critical points related to the preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical steps of autoimmune thyroid disease diagnostics are considered, focusing on harmonization of autoimmune thyroid tests request, retesting intervals, terminology of thyroid autoantibodies, measurement units and definition of reference limits. Harmonization in thyroid autoantibody testing is a relevant example of feasible harmonization in autoimmunology.