Understanding Lab Tests for Autoimmune Gastritis
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Autoimmune gastritis is a chronic inflammatory condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining, specifically targeting cells that produce stomach acid and intrinsic factor. This autoimmune attack can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, iron malabsorption, and stomach lining atrophy over time.
Top Recommended Test
Intrinsic Factor Blocking Antibody
This test detects antibodies that specifically target intrinsic factor, a protein essential for vitamin B12 absorption. The presence of these antibodies indicates that the immune system is attacking stomach cells that produce intrinsic factor, which is a hallmark of autoimmune gastritis and can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
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Diagnosing Autoimmune Gastritis
Unlike other forms of gastritis, autoimmune gastritis can be definitively diagnosed through specific blood tests that detect antibodies produced by the immune system against stomach cells. These antibody tests are essential for confirming the autoimmune nature of the condition and distinguishing it from other causes of gastritis.
Other Relevant Tests
Parietal Cell Antibody, ELISA
This test identifies antibodies directed against parietal cells in the stomach lining, which are responsible for producing stomach acid. The presence of parietal cell antibodies confirms the autoimmune attack on the stomach lining and indicates chronic inflammation that can result in stomach atrophy and impaired absorption of iron and vitamin B12.
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Understanding Your Results
Positive results for either or both of these antibody tests strongly suggest autoimmune gastritis. Early detection is important because the condition can lead to serious complications including pernicious anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency and increased risk of stomach cancer due to chronic inflammation.
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.
