Given Private Diagnosis But Antibody Test Is Negative?

[B12again]

I recently had a private diagnosis of Autoimmune Thyroiditis. This was given in the context of seeking a diagnosis of my B12 deficiency which was said to be linked with the above, Pernicious Anaemia, antibodies attacking thyroid and gastric parietal cells. I have been on levothyroxin for 15yrs. He based this partly on my raised Anti-Tg (67IU/ml). He recommended I get a parietal cell antibody test. Now for the confusion and uncertainty created in me. I requested a PCA antibody test from my GP who text me to inform me that the lab does not do it instead they do an Autoimmune Profile. This came back negative. I questioned if this was specific for PCA and was sent the follow message:

“Dear Mr xxxxxx

We contacted the laboratory and there is no test offered specifically called Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody. the lab's reply "I've spoken to Immunology Bench in Lab - forget the Gastric (its Parietal Cell antibodies)

Part of the AIP test.

Requesting Code PCA." they reassured us that the test formed part of an AIP - autoimmune profile - which you have had taken.

Thank you, Dr xxxxx”

What bothers me is that labs use different reference criteria. My diagnosis was given on the fact that, although showing in the ‘Normal’ range, nevertheless the antibodies were still raised in the results from a private thyroid test. Also I have no idea of what was included in the profile especially the Anti-Tg if it was included. Has anyone any insight into this type of testing as all seems very vague and confusing. I’m left with so many doubts as there seems there is no report just “HEp2-ANA screening test…..negative” on my blood test results. Sorry it’s long

[SmallBlueThing]

If you search within your own region you may find the location of an NHS lab running the test (Blue Horizon also offer it). This page, for example, names the lab and implies the test is commonly done for TATT (tired all the time): southtees.nhs.uk/services/p...

[Hay2016]

That result is only for an ANA test which is lupus, connective disease etc. there should be more as they should all be available unless gp hasn’t released them. Ask again. Don’t be put off say you have the ana result where are the rest of the profile results.