Intrinsic Factor Blocking Antibody Blood Test

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The Intrinsic Factor Blocking Antibody Blood Test may be used in determining the cause of a vitamin B12 deficiency and to confirm a diagnosis of pernicious anemia.

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An intrinsic factor antibody (IF antibody) test may be used to help determine the cause of a vitamin B12 deficiency and to confirm a diagnosis of pernicious anemia.

It may be ordered when a person has a vitamin B12 deficiency and when pernicious anemia is suspected, as when a person has signs and symptoms such as:

Paleness
Weakness, fatigue
Numbness and tingling in the feet and/or hands
Larger than normal red blood cells (RBCs); sometimes large RBCs are detected before the other signs and symptoms emerge, for example, with a complete blood count (CBC) during routine testing for a health examination.

These findings usually prompt vitamin B12 and folate testing and may lead to methylmalonic acid testing (an early indicator of vitamin B12 deficiency).

When a person has a decreased vitamin B12 level and increased methylmalonic acid and homocysteine levels, an IF antibody test is typically ordered.

LC Sample Report QD Sample Report

Test Code(s):

010413, 568

Also Known As:

Intrinsic Factor Antibody; IF Antibody; IF Antibody Type 1 or Type 2; Intrinsic Factor Binding Antibody; Anti-Intrinsic Factor

Specimen:

Blood

Preparation:

No fasting required. Samples should not be collected from a patient who has received Vitamin B12 injection therapy within the last week

Test Results:

4-5 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.