We stand behind our service
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
We stand behind our service
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, weakness, digestive issues, or tingling in your hands and feet that might indicate pernicious anemia or vitamin B12 deficiency. It helps identify if your immune system is attacking your stomach lining, which can prevent proper absorption of vitamin B12 and lead to serious health issues. Many people use this test when they have low B12 levels or a family history of autoimmune conditions affecting the stomach.
No special preparation is typically required for this test. You can take your regular medications and eat normally before your blood draw. However, it's always best to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you're taking, especially immunosuppressants or treatments for autoimmune conditions, as they may want to note this in your medical record.
This test measures Parietal Cell Antibodies, which are immune system proteins that attack the cells in your stomach lining responsible for producing intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is essential for absorbing vitamin B12, so when these antibodies are present, they can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia. This test is particularly important for understanding autoimmune gastritis and identifying your risk for serious nutritional deficiencies that can affect your energy, nerves, and overall health.
What this means
Your test came back negative, meaning no parietal cell antibodies were detected in your blood. This is the expected and healthy result, suggesting your immune system is not attacking your stomach lining cells. If you're experiencing symptoms of B12 deficiency, other causes should be explored with your healthcare provider.
Recommended actions
Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamin B12 from meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products
If symptoms persist despite negative results, ask your doctor about intrinsic factor antibody testing
Monitor for symptoms like fatigue, tingling, or digestive issues and retest if they develop
Consider annual B12 level monitoring if you have other autoimmune conditions