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Thyroglobulin
The thyroid's storage protein. Its main use is follow-up after surgery for differentiated thyroid cancer — always read with anti-Tg antibodies.
Other names: Tg, thyroglobulin serumSection: Thyroid
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortThyroglobulin is produced only by thyroid tissue. After total thyroidectomy for cancer it should become undetectable; a reappearing or rising level can signal recurrence. Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies distort the measurement, so both are reported together.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
With the gland present — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
reference interval of the laboratory
After total thyroidectomy
expected to fall to undetectable; trend matters more than a single value
MedlinePlus describes the test without universal numbers: interpretation depends on whether the gland remains and on the assay — the report's reference applies. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and assays — use the range printed on your own lab report.
Check your value
Enter your result — we will show how it compares with a typical range. Match the units of the selected row.
Approximate comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference intervals vary by laboratory and method — check your report; result interpretation is done by a doctor.
What this marker is
Inside the gland, thyroglobulin stores thyroid hormone. In blood, small amounts are normal while the gland is present; after its removal, the protein becomes a tumor marker.
Because anti-Tg antibodies can falsely lower or raise the result, laboratories measure them alongside — a reliable trend requires the same assay over time.
When it is high
Remaining or recurring thyroid tissueAfter cancer surgery, a rising level can indicate recurrence and prompts imaging.
Benign thyroid conditionsGoiter, thyroiditis, and nodular disease raise the level while the gland is present — without cancer meaning.
When it is low
Expected after thyroidectomyAn undetectable level after removal of the gland is the goal of follow-up.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
Anti-Tg antibodies (assay interference)Amount of remaining thyroid tissueTSH suppression therapy
How to prepare
Blood from a vein; no special preparation. Follow-up uses one laboratory and one assay.
When a retest makes sense
After thyroid cancer surgery — on the endocrinologist's schedule, together with anti-Tg antibodies.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: an endocrinologist; an endocrine surgeon-oncologist after cancer surgery. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: ThyroglobulinTgSerum thyroglobulin
Units and conversion
Measured in: ng/mL
ng/mL=µg/L
1 ng/mL = 1 µg/L — the number stays the same. Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.
Several markers on your report?
See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.
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