Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. This result should be interpreted with related hormones, symptoms, and clinical context.

Which reference range should I use?

Use the reference interval provided by the laboratory that performed your test.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, or inconsistent with symptoms should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

High TRAb: What Does It Mean?

High TRAb may be associated with Graves disease and is interpreted together with TSH, free T4, and T3.

Test summary

Test name: TRAb
Abbreviations: TRAb, TSHR-Ab
Category: Endocrinology / Thyroid Autoimmunity
Panel: Thyroid Antibody Tests
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: IU/L

What does the test measure?

Measures autoantibodies that bind to the TSH receptor.

Why is the test ordered?

Helps evaluate Graves disease and, in selected situations, provides information about autoimmune activity.

Information about a low result

Negative TRAb does not exclude Graves disease in every situation; assay method and clinical likelihood matter.

Information about a high result

High TRAb may be associated with Graves disease and is interpreted together with TSH, free T4, and T3.

Reference and clinical context

Use the reference interval printed on your own laboratory report first. Hormone results may vary with the assay, age, sex, pregnancy, menstrual-cycle phase, and sampling time.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

TRAb is an antibody test, not a direct thyroid-function test. Its clinical use can differ in pregnancy when Graves disease is known or suspected.

Related specialties

Endocrinology
Internal Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Graves' Disease — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
U.S. government medical reference · 2026 · Graves disease; thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin / receptor-antibody context · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
Triiodothyronine (T3) Tests — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2023 · Total/free T3 testing and thyroid-function context · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Thyroid Antibodies — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2023 · TPOAb, TgAb and TRAb; autoimmune-thyroid context · Verified: Aug 11, 2026