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Test ID: TBGI    
Thyroxine-Binding Globulin (TBG), Serum

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Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Cases in which total thyroid hormone levels do not correlate with the thyrometabolic status, most commonly with pregnancy or the use of contraceptive steroids

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) is the high-affinity serum binding protein for thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Normally, the thyroid adjusts to changing concentrations of TBG by producing more, or less, thyroid hormone to maintain a constant level of metabolically important free hormone.

 

Elevated TBG levels are associated with influences such as pregnancy, genetic predisposition, oral contraceptives, and estrogen therapy. TBG levels can decrease with androgenic or anabolic steroids, large doses of glucocorticoids, hypoproteinemic states, liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, and congenital TBG variants.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Males: 12-26 mcg/mL

Females: 11-27 mcg/mL

 

For SI unit Reference Values, see International System of Units (SI) Conversion

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

A change in thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) concentration may be of hereditary, pathophysiologic, or pharmacologic origin.

 

The TBG concentration indicates whether an abnormally high or low total thyroid hormone concentration is offset by a parallel increase or decrease in TBG concentration.

 

In TBG deficiency, one may find euthyroid patients with extremely low total thyroxine (T4) values. Conversely, patients with high TBG levels may be clinically euthyroid with high serum total T4 values.

 

Twenty-four specimens obtained during various stages of pregnancy yielded results ranging from 27 to 66 mcg/mL with a median of 43 mcg/mL. The literature suggests 47 to 59 mcg/mL as the range of TBG values expected during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Females using estrogen-based contraception may exceed the reference range.

Clinical Reference Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, Bruns DE eds. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2006:2053-2095

2. Wenzel KW: Pharmacological interference with in vitro tests of thyroid function. Metabolism. 1981;30:717-732