Does instrinic factors test determine the severity your PA?

[Wowo23]

Hi all,I was just wondering. I know you need MMTHFR, folate, iron ect..., but whay does the number or level does instrinic test mean? If any

[Gambit62 Administrator]

There is no correlation between the results and severity of symptoms. The test isn't very sensitive so gives a lot of false negatives (40%-60% depending on the test methodology.

The unit of measure is usually an 'AU' = arbitrary unit, mening that it has been measured on a scale that is specific to the piece of kit. The methodology uses atomic masses to identify which substances are present and because there are other substances in the blood that have similar masses the scale isn't set to start at zero but assumes that other substances have been picked up unless the result is above this point - which is why the rate of false negatives is so high.

[topazrat]

I've had a few IF tests done (not sure why the NHS felt the need to do more when the first was positive!) One was a lot higher than the other, so I'm sure the levels go up and down depending on how many antibodies your body is making at that time. I didn't feel any different when it was higher. Not a scientific answer, I know, just personal experience 🙂

[Nackapan in reply to topazrat]

I'm sure the keeps going up and down like any antibody test.How annoying to repeat your IFAB test.

Also what a waste of money!!

Hope you refuse the next one offered ,also if a b12 level wanted.

Only thing tricky I find Is if you want a folate level done ,B12 is done with it .

Good practice at the start but the obviously not needed .

Get those positive results on paper !

[topazrat in reply to Nackapan]

Maybe they were hoping that one of them would be negative, so that they could stop my jabs 😜 I didn't know they were doing the subsequent ones until the results appeared on my notes, but I now ask at every blood test.

I had one of the G.P.s tell me that I didn't have autoimmune P.A. So I said, see that search box on my notes? Type intrinsic factor in there and press enter. Her face was a picture when the result pinged up, but yeah, I have a printout of the positive tests in case the results get 'lost'

[Wwwdot in reply to topazrat]

You are one very smart Topazrat! Would have loved to be a fly on the wall! 🤣

🤗🤗🤗

[Nackapan in reply to topazrat]

Yes a smart move.For the same reason j have a copy of 2 neurologists letters stating my B12 regime.The first letter eas challenged as deemed out of date .

So the senior partner in the G.p surgery emailed a neurologist 7d never seen fot his opinion.

He fortunately kept me on the 2 weekly prescription.

All from a meddling nurse who wouldn't follow the clear prescription and refused to inject me with B12 .

Brought the partner in when I refused to leave.

It wax done .

I was told verbally b12 injections for life .

Not on my notes .

I eas never given an IFAB test.

'Assumed ' PA as nothing else found to treat .

And a good clinical response.

On no other meds !!