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Alternative names Return to top
APCA; Anti-gastric parietal cell antibodiesDefinition Return to top
A test that measures the presence of antibodies against gastric parietal cells.How the test is performed Return to top
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture). The sample is then taken to the lab, where the serum is separated from the cells. A sample of the serum is then 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 Return to top
No special preparation is necessary.Why the test is performed Return to top
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 Return to top
Negative.
What abnormal results mean Return to top
A positive test result may indicate:Special considerations Return to top
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.
Update Date: 4/29/2003 Updated by: Andrew J. Muir, M.D., M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |