Positive intrinsic factor result

[Natalie99999]

Hi,I

I posted a few weeks ago due to having low b12 and involuntary twitching, Since having the loading doses my moods have improved significantly the twitching still happens each day but not as often but has improved...

I have had another blood test to test for ferratin/ folate and for intrinsic factor, Feratine and folate are fine but intrinsic factor is positive. I still do not have a diognosis of PA, does this positive result mean I have PA??

They are going to refer me to a gastrioologist.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

[Gambit62 Administrator]

it depends on when the blood sample was taken in relation to any B12 shots (and exactly what the test method was).

If it was 2 weeks after a shot then it means you have PA

- if not then would need to know more about the test - varies from 24 hours to 2 weeks

[Natalie99999 in reply to Gambit62]

Hi, I had my loading doses week after Christmas and New year.....

I had blood test on the 16th Feb for intrinsic factor ferratin and folate...

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Natalie99999]

in that case the positive means that you do have PA

[clivealive Forum Support]

Are you saying that your test for "Intrinsic Factor Antibodies" (IFA) is positive?

[Natalie99999]

I think so, she said the intrinsic test was positive and I would be referred to a gastroenterologist ( not sure if spelling).....I will be calling them so I can have copies of my results....

[Babygodmother]

Yes you have PA clear case. It's not the best test but has a "high positive predictive value (95%) for the presence of pernicious anaemia with a concurrent low false-positive rate (1-2%) ie a high specificity". I have quoted this directly from 2014 guidelines

[Crzygirl]

Or if the test was for intrinsic blocking factors then a positive test means no PA. That’s the test I had done & the hematologist said I do not have PA. Still don’t know why I have low B12. Getting shots every 1-3 months now after loading doses.

[SusanLMckinney]

I don't know why they need to do all those tests. If you blood tests come back showing low B12 and you are on a regular diet consisting of meats, or other animal products like eggs, milk, cheese or if you are taking b12 by mouth and you still have low b12, then you need to take shots or sublingual B12 from no on.

[Natalie99999]

Thank you for your replies, I really would not have a clue without reading all the posts and advice.....