intrinsic factor test

[Painttube]

My GP agreed to do an intrinsic factor antibody test. The test he did was IgA and the results came back as within normal range.1.10gl normal range 0.8 to 4.0 .

Was this the correct test for pernicious anemia?

Thank you

[wedgewood]

There is no “ correct test “ for Pernicious Anaemia! You can have P.A. and the Intrinsic Factor Antibodies test can come up negative . Only about 50’% of PA patients get a positive result ! I’m afraid that doctors need to be detectives when they are dealing with a possible PA patient . They must NOT rely on the IFAB test to diagnose P.A. They must rely on symptoms that present and Homocysteine results amongst other indications. If they took the trouble to find out about P.A. they would know this . PAS have leaflets for doctors to read . You could down load them . Best of luck .

[Painttube in reply to wedgewood]

Thank you for replying. I understand this but the GP didn’t agree. I guess I have more of a fight on my hands. I left leaflets for him too. I have an MRI this week and I’m seeing a neurologist in January so I’m hoping for some answers.

[Justine_Case]

I thought IgA was a blood test to determine if you have an autoimmune disease, in particular celiac.

I may be wrong though, hopefully someone better informed can help.

[Painttube in reply to Justine_Case]

Thanks for your comment. Yes I have tried to look this up as I too am not sure if it’s the correct test.

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to Justine_Case]

IgA is not the IFab ( Intrinsic Factor antibody) test.

The IFab test can tell you if you have PA (with 95% accuracy for a positive result) - but cannot be called a "PA test" unless it is understood by all - including GPs and consultants- that it will give a positive in 40-60% of those who have PA.

So one positive result will give you a PA diagnosis, and does not need repeating (keep a copy) but a single negative result is not proof that you do not have PA.

Martyn Hooper. the founder of the Pernicious Anaemia Society (PAS), had to have three tests before getting a positive result. This does NOT mean he did not have PA when first tested. He also has some irreversible nerve damage.

Best thing that anyone here can do is to read research, learn about their condition, so that they can present a case for correct diagnosis and treatment, because whatever the cause of their B12 condition, the symptoms can be difficult to live with. Many medical professionals make light of this life-changing condition - because they do not fully understand the potential implications.

No-one here ever skipped down the road after getting a loading injection.

Not to my certain knowledge.

[Painttube in reply to Cherylclaire]

Thank you, what you say has confirmed my understanding on this and I really appreciate your reply. I’ll keep going with my efforts to get some more investigations.

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to Painttube]

Hard work to push when depleted. Learn what you are able to get from medical research.

Hoping that the new NICE guidelines, due out in early 2024, can provide the back-up we need. Then we can stop having to fight this as exhausted individuals.

[wedgewood in reply to Cherylclaire]

NICE. guidelines are just that . Doctors are not obliged to follow them . But they can be a useful tool when dealing with doctors .

[Cherylclaire Forum Support in reply to wedgewood]

I'm thinking that if they do not have the medical evidence to convincingly push in the other direction, we have more than half a chance.

Isn't it hard to type with crossed fingers, Wedgwood ?

[Mixteca in reply to Cherylclaire]

Do you know if he was on B12 injections when he had those tests? Mine's been tested twice I think and my latest is 'borderline', whatever that means as no figures given. The lab states that IFAB shouldn't be done on patients who've had any injections within the past week. I've been SI EOD for 18 months and they didn't do this test before I started.

[CRK1]

I looked up online and the test your GP selected is apparently not the correct one. Here is a useful link

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/...

The correct test is IFAB.

[Painttube in reply to CRK1]

Thank you Yes I found similar information. I’m looking into getting a private blood test done.

[CRK1]

Maybe you could suggest to the GP that the lab did the wrong test? That is it was not the GP's error but a lab error? Might give the GP the out to change their mind and do the right test. Seems crazy you have to pay for the test.

[Painttube in reply to CRK1]

Unfortunately it’s not the first error that the GP surgery has made so I’m rather losing faith!

[Bellabab]

Its not straightforward or easy. This book tells us why and I would it very helpful & read it several times.

hammersmithbooks.co.uk/prod...

[Painttube in reply to Bellabab]

Thank you it looks useful. I haven’t been diagnosed yet so PA may not be the cause of the symptoms.

[Bellabab in reply to Painttube]

Doesn't matter the book covers all causes.

[Painttube in reply to Bellabab]

Yes thanks. I’ve been reading the first chapter 😊🙏

[WIZARD6787]

Good on ya'll for discovering that the test was not the correct test for IF. Send a bill to NHS🙂