Anti-human thyroglobulin autoantibodies assayed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

A rapid and simple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anti-thyroglobulin IgG antibodies is described. The method is based on a 'sandwich' using purified human thyroglobulin adsorbed to polystyrene microplates, human serum and anti-human IgG antiserum conjugated to alkaline phosphatase. The sensitivity of the method is about 8 ng/ml, as evaluated with a purified anti-thyroglobulin antibody preparation. High concentrations of antibodies were observed, as expected, in autoimmune thyroid disease; however, the majority of normal subjects have detectable, although very low, antibody levels. We conclude the method is suitable for current clinical use.