ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody, IgG : 0050596

Mnemonic: PCA

Methodology: Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Performed: Mon, Wed-Sat
Reported: 1-3 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 0.5 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.25 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Urine or plasma. Contaminated, heat-inactivated, grossly hemolyzed, or severely lipemic specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval:
 
0.0-20.0 Units Negative
20.1-24.9 Units Equivocal
25.0 Units or Positive

Interpretive Data: In the context of vitamin B12 deficiency, the presence of gastric parietal cell antibodies (PCA) and/or intrinsic factor antibodies in association with macrocytic anemia is considered diagnostic for pernicious anemia (PA). However, the presence of gastric PCAs alone is not specific for PA. Gastric PCAs may occur with increased frequency in unaffected family members, a small percentage of healthy individuals, and patients with other autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune thyroiditis. 
Note: Most patients with pernicious anemia have parietal cell antibodies. However, the fact that such antibodies are found with increased frequency in unaffected family members, as well as in patients with other autoimmune diseases, suggests these antibodies do not cause disease by themselves.
CPT Code(s): 83516
Cross References: Anti-GPA (AGPA) (Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody, IgG), Anti-Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody (AGPCA) (Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody, IgG) , Hydrogen Potassium (H+/K+) ATPase (Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody, IgG), Pernicious Anemia (Gastric Parietal Cell Antibody, IgG)