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Antiparietal cells antibodies - Overview

Alternative Names

APCA; Anti-gastric parietal cell antibodies

Definition of Antiparietal cells antibodies:

This is a test to measure the presence of antibodies against the parietal cells of the stomach. The parietal cells secrete intrinsic factor and stomach acid.

How the test is performed:

Blood is drawn from a vein and sent to the lab, where the serum (liquid portion of the blood) is separated from the cells. A sample of the serum is placed on a slide with samples from a mouse kidney and stomach, which contain parietal cells. If the patient's serum has parietal cell antibodies, they will react with the parietal cells on the slide.

How to prepare for the test:

No special preparation is necessary.

Why the test is performed:

Your health care provider may use this test to aid in the diagnosis of pernicious anemia. Other tests are also used to help with the diagnosis.

  • Reviewed last on: 1/22/2007
  • Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.