Understanding Lab Tests for Atrophic Gastritis
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Atrophic gastritis is a chronic inflammatory condition where the stomach lining becomes thin due to the loss of gastric glandular cells. While endoscopy provides visual confirmation, blood tests are fundamental for diagnosing autoimmune causes, assessing the extent of gastric function loss, and monitoring for serious complications like vitamin B12 deficiency.
Top Recommended Test
Intrinsic Factor Blocking Antibody
This test detects antibodies that block intrinsic factor, a protein essential for vitamin B12 absorption. The presence of these antibodies indicates autoimmune atrophic gastritis and explains why patients develop B12 deficiency. This test is crucial for diagnosing the autoimmune form of the condition.
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Why Blood Testing is Essential
Blood tests help identify whether atrophic gastritis is caused by autoimmune factors, measure the impact on stomach acid and hormone production, and detect nutritional deficiencies that can lead to serious complications including pernicious anemia and neurological problems.
Other Relevant Tests
Gastrin
This test measures gastrin hormone levels in the blood. In atrophic gastritis, gastrin levels are typically elevated because the damaged stomach lining produces less acid, causing the body to release more gastrin in an attempt to stimulate acid production. This test helps assess the severity of gastric function impairment.
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Parietal Cell Antibody, ELISA
This test identifies antibodies that attack the stomach's acid-producing parietal cells. These antibodies cause the chronic inflammation that leads to atrophic gastritis. A positive result indicates autoimmune gastritis and helps explain the underlying cause of the stomach lining damage.
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Vitamin B12
This test measures vitamin B12 levels in the blood. Atrophic gastritis commonly causes B12 deficiency because the damaged stomach lining cannot produce adequate intrinsic factor needed for B12 absorption. Monitoring B12 levels is essential for preventing serious complications like pernicious anemia and neurological damage.
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Understanding Your Results
These blood tests work together to provide a complete picture of atrophic gastritis. Elevated gastrin levels combined with positive antibody tests confirm autoimmune gastritis, while low B12 levels indicate the need for immediate supplementation to prevent serious health consequences.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
