Intrinsic Factor Ant Test

[mbb323]

Hi again I've been chasing up the result of an IFA test taken in early December. The GP has replied to say she has now chased this with the lab herself and this was the reply .

"The lab said the intrinsic factor could not be tested as the B12 level was too high which interferes with the test. The lab have apologised for the confusion caused. I've spoken to the on call biochemist who has suggested rechecking a B12 level with intrinsic factor just before you have your next B12 injection as the levels should be low enough then. They've suggested an alternative test that we can do if the level remains too high. I'll do a request for all 3 of these tests on the system. Please can you call the surgery to arrange this blood test - it needs to be just before you have your B12 injection"

What do I do now? My next 3-monthly injection is not due until February and neurological symptoms are continuing. (I did not have the recommended loading doses when first diagnosed, and I suspect 3-monthly maintenance injections are not enough). I am taking 4 x 1000 B12 tablets daily which does seem to keep some of these at bay, but if I cut down on the tablets the symptoms worsen. I don't want to stop taking these before any test because I know the effect this will have on me - obviously by February I will be feeling worse anyway?? Should I continue with the oral B12 tablets before the test? Does anyone know what the alternative test would be if my B12 levels are still high?

Thank you for the knowledge that I have gained so far on this forum which enables me now to ask these questions??

[Hidden]

Hi mbb323.Your doctor has been very accommodating hasn’t she so credit to her.I inject every other day and I stopped for a few days in order to have the I.F test done,the testing now is apparently much more efficient,I’m sure one of our scientist will give you some better advice than I can but anyway my test came back confirming I had P.A.you should be ok if your just missing a couple of days I managed a week but was glad to get back into my schedule,I think it depends really on how much you want that diagnosis,most people just accept that they have no definitive diagnosis and carry on self injecting according to their needs because that’s what they have to do to stay well and most gps won’t test for I.F anyway.I had to go private to get mines tested.best of luck and well done to your gp.x

[mbb323 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the reply. I did have to push for the IFA test and had an uncomfortable conversation with this GP re B12 deficiency (as posted previously) but yes, I think she is now taking things more seriously 🤞.