parietal cell antibody lab results

[Purplegirl2]

I’m having trouble interpreting my lab results. My Parietal Cell Antibody IgG value is 33.2 units and it said the standard range is 0.0-24.9 units. So it’s above the standard range but not by much. Apparently above 25 units is positive so that means I’m positive? I just want to confirm.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I'm not medically trained but I would interpret an above range result in PCA test as a positive result.

Link about testing for PA

pernicious-anaemia-society....

[Purplegirl2 in reply to Sleepybunny]

thank you!

[FlipperTD]

Scientist, not medic.

You're right; if it's above the reference range then it's positive. However Parietal Cell antibodies are not a specific test for PA. The test is positive in a wide range of circumstances.

IFAb is a more specific test, although not everyone with PA has IFAb that can be demonstrated by the IFAb test. That does't mean the test is faulty or not sensitive; it just means that in those patients, they don't have IFAb, or at least IFAb that can be detected by this test. It's just the way things are.

[Purplegirl2 in reply to FlipperTD]

Thanks. My IFA test was negative. It’s hard to know whether I’ll get a diagnosis of PA or not. I’ve had (4 known) years of b12 deficiency, was originally in the 100s and even had megaloblastic anemia when they first found it. Now that I’ve been getting injections I haven’t had megaloblastic anemia since but my serum b12 is still stubbornly low and hoovers around 200-300s. I guess having the Parietal cell antibodies as positive is another answer but I am yet to have a definitive diagnosis from my hematologist that explains why I’d be having this issue (I’m only 20 years old so quite young).

[FlipperTD in reply to Purplegirl2]

I think you've got the matter under control!

The most important thing is that you've been found to have B12 deficiency which has now been treated. At least, showing you had megaloblastic anaemia at the outset should save you from any doubting doctors. Megaloblastic change and a low serum B12 should be enough for them, and you're having injections to control it. Just out of interest, wereyou/are you vegetarian of vegan, because sever B12 deficiency under the age of 20 must be quite rare otherwise. I can understand any reticence, but have you been through the 'Oral B12' route as well, because at your age you'll be looking at a lot of injections!

Good luck, and congratulations on finding a treatment that works, and a doctor who supports you.

[Purplegirl2 in reply to FlipperTD]

Yeah it’s good that I am getting treated but frustrating that I don’t know the cause. It sure is strange for someone my age to have these issues. I have a regular diet I’m not vegan or vegetarian. My doctor didn’t recommend oral supplements and advised I stick to injections. It’s not that big of a deal though if I require lifelong injections. Out of all the health problems to have b12 deficiency isn’t too bad. Much better in my opinion than dealing with diabetes.

[FlipperTD in reply to Purplegirl2]

I agree with you on this. There are enough folks who arestuck with Insulin injections and we pity them. Your GP is wise! [This doesn't mean that Oral B12 wouldn't work for you, but that's your choice.] It's all very odd, but in any distribution you get outliers, and maybe you're one of those. Keep on doing what you're doing.