Parietal blood test

[Hercules1969]

Hiya. Apart from malabsorbtion can anyone tell me exactly what this blood test will reveal. My doctor is now doubting that my symptoms are b12 related and I had to fight to get it.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Gastric Parietal cells are the ones that produce hydrochloric acid and also produce intrinsic factor. The test is looking for antibodies - ie confirmation that your body is attacking and destroying these cells - which means you have PA. The test isn't recommended as a diagnostic test in the UK as it is prone to giving false positives (ie showing you have antibodies when you don't) - not quite sure what causes the false positives but likelihood its because it picks up another chemical in your blood rather than the antibodies as a result of the test method.

[Hercules1969 in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks. Well, we'll see. I have enough trouble at the moment getting my GP to focus on the B12.

[fbirder in reply to Gambit62]

The good news is that a false positive will probably persuade your GP that you do have a B12 problem.