Autoantibodies and Autoimmunity in Endocrinology

All relevant functional tests are explained with a detailed presentation of indications, contraindications, side effects, test preparation, framework conditions, specific instructions for the actual test execution, and the interpretation of test results. Specific normal ranges and cut-off values are always provided, even for special situations (gender, age, BMI, puberty phases, menstrual cycle phases, acute illnesses, medications, etc.). A special feature is the emphasis on test preparation, execution, and interpretation, as well as the interdisciplinary nature. The chapter evaluates the autoantibodies significant for endocrinology and makes detailed reference to autoimmunity in polyglandular autoimmune syndromes (APS-I and APS-II as well as the AIRE gene).