Parietal cells, or oxyntic cells, are the stomach epithelium cells that secrete gastric acid and intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is needed to absorb vitamin B12. Antiparietal cells antibodies (APCA) test is used to measure the presence of antibodies against the parietal cells of the stomach. Gastric parietal cell antibodies are present in approximately 50% of patients with pernicious anemia. These antibodies are not disease specific, because they are also detectable in 30 to 60% of patients with chronic atrophic gastritis, 20% with gastric ulcers, 30% with Sjogrens syndrome, 30% of first degree relatives of patients with pernicious anemia, and 7% of healthy adults. APCA may be also associated with thyroid disease, iron deficiency anemia, and diabetes. Other related tests: Intrinsic Factor Antibodies, Serum; Vitamin B12, Serum; and Helicobacter pylori Antibodies, Serum.
Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection.
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