MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Antiparietal cells antibodies

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Antiparietal cells antibodies

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition How the Test is Performed How to Prepare for the Test	Why the Test is Performed Normal Results What Abnormal Results Mean Considerations

Illustrations

Antiparietal cell antibodies

Alternative Names Return to top

APCA; Anti-gastric parietal cell antibodies

Definition Return to top

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.

How the Test is Performed Return to top

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 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 Results Return to top

Negative.

What Abnormal Results Mean Return to top

A positive test result may indicate:

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: 1/22/2007

Updated 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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