Anti-Parietal Cell Antibody
Alternate test name
APCA
Lab area
Clinical Biochemistry - Immunology
Method and equipment
Indirect immunofluorescence (IFA), HEp-2 cell substrate
Expected turn-around time
7 days
Specimen type
Serum
Specimen requirements
Send 0.3 mL for 1 test or 0.6 mL min for several tests from:
- ANA, HEp-2 IgG
- ANCA, IgG
- EMA, IgA
- GBM, IgG
- LKM, IgG
- PCA, IgG
- SMA, IgG
- dsDNA, IgG (Cithidia luciliae)
Storage and transportation
Frozen
Shipping information
The Hospital for Sick Children
Rapid Response Laboratory
555 University Avenue, Room 3642
Toronto, ON
Canada
M5G 1X8
Phone: 416-813-7200
Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212
Hours: 7 days/week, 24 hours/day
Requisition
Background and clinical significance
The parietal cells make and release a substance that the body needs to absorb vitamin B12. Antiparietal cell antibodies is a test that measures the presence of antibodies against gastric parietal cells. Ninety percent of people with pernicious anemia test positive for antiparietal cell antibodies. Positive APCA appears in chronic atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia, funicular myelosis, and autoimmune endocrinopathy.
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Customer Service
Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212
Local: 416-813-7200