Skip to content

Thyroglobulin Recovery, Mass Fraction, Serum or Plasma

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures how much thyroglobulin can be recovered from your blood sample when a known amount is added, which helps check whether your thyroglobulin result may be affected by antibodies.

Quick summary

["The recovery check helps your care team trust the thyroglobulin measurement by showing whether interfering antibodies are present."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
38505-4
Short code
Thyroglob Recovery MFr SerPl
Synonyms
Thyroglob Recovery MFr SerPl
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What Is Thyroglobulin?

Thyroglobulin is a protein made by the thyroid gland that is used to store and produce thyroid hormones. Doctors often measure it in people who have had thyroid cancer to help monitor for remaining thyroid tissue or possible recurrence.

Why the Recovery Step Matters

Some people have antibodies that can interfere with thyroglobulin testing and make the result look falsely low or high. The recovery step adds a known amount of thyroglobulin to your sample and measures how much is detected, which helps reveal this kind of interference.

How the Test Is Done

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, at a clinic or lab. Your sample is then tested in the laboratory using an immunoassay method, and the recovery portion is part of the same analysis.

What the Results Mean

A recovery result that falls within the laboratory's expected range suggests the thyroglobulin measurement is likely reliable. A result outside that range may indicate interference, such as from antibodies, and your doctor may recommend additional testing or a different method. Your laboratory's own reference range is used to interpret results.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Thyroglobulin Recovery

Frequently asked questions

Does an abnormal recovery result mean my thyroid cancer has returned?
No. An abnormal recovery result generally points to possible interference in the thyroglobulin measurement, not to cancer itself. Your doctor will interpret it together with your thyroglobulin level, antibody tests, imaging, and other findings.
Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
In most cases no special preparation is needed, but follow any instructions from your healthcare provider or laboratory. Tell your care team about all medications and supplements you take, since some can affect thyroid testing.
Will I get a numeric result?
Yes, the laboratory reports a recovery value, often as a percentage, and compares it to its own established acceptable range. Ask your provider to explain what your specific result means for your care.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy