PARIETAL CELL ANTIBODY (PCA) – ES121
🧬 Autoimmune & Stomach Health
₹1299
MRP ₹1400
Sample Time: 4:30 PM
Report: Next day Evening
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: ES121
Report: Next day Evening
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: ES121
About this Test:
The Parietal Cell Antibody (PCA) test checks for antibodies that attack the parietal cells in your stomach lining. These cells are crucial because they produce Intrinsic Factor, a protein needed to absorb Vitamin B12.
✔ The primary test for diagnosing Pernicious Anemia (a major cause of B12 deficiency).
✔ Helps detect Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis.
✔ Recommended for patients with unexplained fatigue, nerve tingling, or anemia.
✔ Often ordered alongside Intrinsic Factor Antibody tests.
The Parietal Cell Antibody (PCA) test checks for antibodies that attack the parietal cells in your stomach lining. These cells are crucial because they produce Intrinsic Factor, a protein needed to absorb Vitamin B12.
✔ The primary test for diagnosing Pernicious Anemia (a major cause of B12 deficiency).
✔ Helps detect Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis.
✔ Recommended for patients with unexplained fatigue, nerve tingling, or anemia.
✔ Often ordered alongside Intrinsic Factor Antibody tests.
The Vitamin B12 Connection
Your stomach contains parietal cells that release specific chemicals to help you digest food and absorb nutrients. One of the most important substances they release is Intrinsic Factor. Without Intrinsic Factor, your body cannot absorb Vitamin B12 from the food you eat.
In certain autoimmune conditions, your immune system mistakenly attacks these parietal cells. When these cells are damaged:
- You cannot produce enough stomach acid (Achlorhydria).
- You cannot absorb Vitamin B12, leading to Pernicious Anemia.
This test detects the presence of the antibodies causing this destruction. A positive result strongly suggests an autoimmune cause for your B12 deficiency.
Who should get this test?
Doctors prescribe this test if you have symptoms of B12 deficiency such as:
- Pale skin and chronic fatigue.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet (Neuropathy).
- A smooth, red tongue (Glossitis).
- Or if you have other autoimmune diseases like Thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) or Type 1 Diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What does a positive Parietal Cell Antibody test mean?
A positive result means you have antibodies attacking your stomach lining. This is found in about 90% of people with Pernicious Anemia. It can also indicate Atrophic Gastritis.
A positive result means you have antibodies attacking your stomach lining. This is found in about 90% of people with Pernicious Anemia. It can also indicate Atrophic Gastritis.
Q2: Why is Vitamin B12 important?
Vitamin B12 is essential for making red blood cells and maintaining healthy nerve function. A deficiency can lead to anemia and permanent nerve damage if untreated.
Vitamin B12 is essential for making red blood cells and maintaining healthy nerve function. A deficiency can lead to anemia and permanent nerve damage if untreated.
Q3: Do I need to fast for this test?
No, strict fasting is generally not required for the PCA test. However, if this test is combined with other stomach tests (like Gastrin), fasting might be needed. Follow your doctor's advice.
No, strict fasting is generally not required for the PCA test. However, if this test is combined with other stomach tests (like Gastrin), fasting might be needed. Follow your doctor's advice.
Q4: Can I have these antibodies but not have anemia?
Yes. Antibodies can appear years before the actual symptoms of anemia develop. Detecting them early allows for monitoring and early Vitamin B12 supplementation.
Yes. Antibodies can appear years before the actual symptoms of anemia develop. Detecting them early allows for monitoring and early Vitamin B12 supplementation.
Q5: What is the sample collection time?
Samples collected by 4:30 PM will have the report ready by the Next Day Evening, ensuring quick diagnosis.
Samples collected by 4:30 PM will have the report ready by the Next Day Evening, ensuring quick diagnosis.