Hi there,
I had an IF antibodies test years ago and was under the impression that as it was lower than the guideline amount, I do not have Pernicious Anaemia. The GP’s notes just said it ‘couldn’t be discounted’. But from doing some reading I think it may be likely that I do? Results above!
The result indicates the test as negative .But some doctors do know that 50 % of P.A. patients do test negative . If you have symptoms you should be treated .
IFAB TEST — Less that 1.20 U/ml — negative
1.2- 1.52– Equivocal
Greater than 1.53 - Positive .
This is what the doctors go on apparently .
Hi,
I left some detailed replies on thread below which you might find useful.
Help Needed! Have I got Pernicious Anaemia?
healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...
I'm not medically trained.
Scientist, not medic.
Dear oh dear... 'Will be filed as 1 mmol/L': That looks like rubbish. They've said '1 U/ml' but then seem to apply a molar concentration.
The GP is right: PA can't be discounted on the basis of a normal result. 'Treat the patient, not the numbers' is a good approach. You may well have PA. That's why we have doctors paid to look after us. Sometimes it's less than perfect, but it's the best we have.
Good luck.
Thanks. I do get injections every 8 weeks (after finding 12 weeks was too long and my neurological problems came back I negotiated it down) but would like to investigate whether I have PA. Are there any other tests I can ask for?
It's pretty likely you have it because your symptoms come back when you do not get injections often enough. Why not just assume you have it and keep on getting injections? I never had a formal test but had a spectacular response to the B12 so it seems obvious to me I have it.
True. I guess just because I’d like a diagnosis, but it’s quite obvious I have it as I eat B12 rich foods and still get the symptoms.
The problem with the test for PA is that it has a high false negative rate (around 50%). So you may never be able to get that confirmation. I was eating eggs twice a day because I felt they helped a little. Once I started B12, I went from sleeping 16 hours per day to being an energizer bunny. I also had a lot of bowel symptoms for a couple of years that cleared up immediately. I subsisted on supplements for many years. But the doctor said it was time for shots when I got tingly toes. Those cleared up really fast when I started injections. my response to the B12 is proof enough for me.
Positive IF
Suggestions, guidance, compassion
IF Blocking Antibody Test Cost?
Intro post+needing guidance!
