Anti-Parietal Cell Antibody
Test Description The anti-parietal cell antibody test (APCA) measures the presence of antibodies against gastric parietal cells. When antibodies form against the parietal cells in the stomach, their production of intrinsic factor is disrupted. This results in pernicious anemia due to an autoimmune process. Thus the APCA test is used in the evaluation of pernicious anemia. It may be elevated in atrophic gastritis and in some other autoimmune processes. Normal Values Negative Possible Meanings of Abnormal Values Positive CREST syndrome Scleroderma Contributing Factors to Abnormal Values • Drugs that may increase antiscleroderma antibody levels: aminosalicylic acid, isoniazid, methyldopa, penicillin, propylthiouracil, streptomycin, tetracycline. Interventions/Implications Pretest • Explain to the patient the purpose of the test and the need for a blood sample to be drawn. • No fasting is required before the test. Procedure • A 7-mL bl...