Intrinsic factor results waiting time NHS

[mistygrey]

Does anybody know how long the Intrinsic factor test results take to come back via the NHS? It will be a week tomorrow since I had the test but Gp has advised me it does take longer to come back? 🤔

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi mistygrey. When I had mine done it took around ten days for the results to appear back in the surgery (other tests have usually reported within 2-5 days - FBC, ferritin, folate etc.)

👍

[mistygrey in reply to Foggyme]

Thanks I thought it might be 10

Not too long now..

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to mistygrey]

Just in case you're not aware (and your GP probably isn't), 40%-60% of those with PA test negative for IF antibodies so a negative result does not rule our PA.

A positive test is 95% accurate for PA (B12 supplements up to ten days - ((depending on the test method used))prior to the test can result in a false positive).

Good luck.

👍

[mistygrey in reply to Foggyme]

Thanks, they probably aren't aware of much 🙊🤔 what if it does come back negative? How can I challenge or go forward with it then?

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to mistygrey]

the only thing you can really do is refer them to the facts about the test as detailed in the BCSH guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of cobalamin and folate deficiencies which you can find here

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

and your GP can access through the BNF.

[Tricia2747]

Hi mistygrey, mine took ,10 days,were sent to kings Hosp in London,think it's a special test,so yours should be back soon. Tricia.

[Natalie99999]

Hi, I had fine done a few weeks ago, everything apart from intrinsic factor was back within the week, the intrinsic factor test results came back 5 days later