Alternative Names: APCA; Anti-gastric parietal cell antibodies

How the test is performed:

Blood is drawn from a vein and sent to the lab, where the serum is separated from the cells. A sample of the serum is placed on a slide with samples from a mouse kidney and stomach, which contain parietal cells. If the patient's serum has parietal cell antibodies, they will react with the parietal cells on the slide.

How to prepare for the test:

No special preparation is necessary.

How the test will feel:

Why the test is performed:

Your health care provider may use this test to aid in the diagnosis of pernicious anemia. Other tests are also used to help with the diagnosis.

Normal Values:

Negative.

What abnormal results mean:

A positive test result may indicate:

• pernicious anemia
• atrophic gastritis
• gastric ulcer
• thyroid disease
• iron deficiency anemia
• diabetes

What the risks are:

Special considerations:

Less than 2% of the general population test positive for antiparietal cell antibodies, but that percentage increases with age. In people over 60, up to 16% may test positive for antiparietal cell antibodies.