Parietal cell antibody test

[Maldeerum]

Hi all, do I need to discontinue B12 injections for a period of time in order to obtain a reliable result from a parietal cell antibody test? I currently SI every third day.

Many thanks

[Nackapan]

My test was done before B12 Injections started .It was negative .

Yet nothing else found to treat my debilitating symptoms .

I did have s very low serum b12 result .

Have needed regular B12 injections since .

The IFAB test if done is usually done before too.

Im not clear why ?

As you've started B12 I personally wouldnt jeopardise your healing by stopping B12 .

The parietal cell antibody test is not usually used to diagnose PA .

It can be positive for lots of other reasons.

Definitions vary on percentages of those with a positive result that have PA. Also agsin if negative you could have PA .

Like any antibody test it's what's there on thd day .

FlipperD may have a better explanation.

[Lilian15]

I can only tell you of my experience. I was given injections for PA for 17 years (based on parietal cells and intrinsic factor. Then (a CCG directive) doctors were supposed to stop as many injections as possible. I was one of them because, presumably, the injections I had been having were doing what they were supposed to be doing. Doctor (watching her back) referred me to a haematologist. The haematologist said not to take any B12 supplements for 4 months then would test me. After 4 months he confirmed I did not have PA. 2 years later all symptoms were coming back. On testing, blood just under range, then parietal cells and intrinsic factor. All showing I did have PA. They first test the blood. If it shows that it is within range they wont do anything else. If low in range (or under) they will do parietal cell antibodies and if that positive the intrinsic factor. I am puzzled how the antibodies would have gone and then come back again. Anyway I was diagnosed with PA again. One of the reasons that after having injections one should not test again. Look how messed up my tests were, even after 4 months without B12 supplements and stopped injections.

[Bellabab in reply to Lilian15]

The tests for antibodies is not very reliable. So one day is shows present the next not present. That is why we only note the positive ones & only retest when previous tests negative & never retest when they ar negative.

[FlipperTD]

Scientist, not medic.

No you don't! I could ramble on for ages about why not, but I won't on this occasion. Carry on with the therapy.