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Antiparietal cell antibody test

APCA; Anti-gastric parietal cell antibody; Atrophic gastritis - anti-gastric parietal cell antibody; Gastric ulcer - anti-gastric parietal cell antibody; Pernicious anemia - anti-gastric parietal cell antibody; Vitamin B12 - anti-gastric parietal cell antibody

 

An antiparietal cell antibody test is a blood test that looks for antibodies against the parietal cells of the stomach. The parietal cells make and release a substance that the body needs to absorb vitamin B12.

How the Test is Performed

 

A blood sample is needed.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

No special preparation is necessary.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

Your health care provider may use this test to help diagnose pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is a decrease in red blood cells that occurs when your intestines cannot properly absorb vitamin B12. Other tests are also used to help with the diagnosis.

 

Normal Results

 

A normal result is called a negative result.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

An abnormal result is called a positive result. This may be due to:

  • Atrophic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
  • Diabetes
  • Gastric ulcer
  • Pernicious anemia
  • Thyroid disease

 

Risks

 

Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • Hematoma (blood buildup under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

 

 

References

Ferri FF. Pernicious anemia. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2016 . Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:section I.

Hogenauer C, Hammer HF. Maldigestion and malabsorption. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 104.

 
  • Antiparietal cell antibodies - illustration

    Antiparietal cell antibodies is a test that measures the presence of antibodies against gastric parietal cells. Ninety percent of people with pernicious anemia test positive for antiparietal cell antibodies.

    Antiparietal cell antibodies

    illustration

    • Antiparietal cell antibodies - illustration

      Antiparietal cell antibodies is a test that measures the presence of antibodies against gastric parietal cells. Ninety percent of people with pernicious anemia test positive for antiparietal cell antibodies.

      Antiparietal cell antibodies

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Antiparietal cell antibody test

         

         

        Review Date: 2/11/2016

        Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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