Health Encyclopedia

Antiparietal cells antibodies

Definition

This is a test to measure the presence of antibodies against the parietal cells of the stomach. The parietal cells secrete intrinsic factor and stomach acid.

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 (liquid portion of the blood) 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.

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

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.

Review Date:1/22/2007
Reviewed By:Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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