Intrinsic Factor Antibodies

Notes

• This test will not be repeated if it has been processed within the last 12 months.
• Intrinsic Factor antibodies will be automatically performed if the Vitamin B12 result is <150pg/ml.
• Intrinsic Factor antibodies will not normally be performed on patients with a normal Vitamin B12 result. Please discuss directly with the Haematology laboratory if Intrinsic Factor testing is required due to a high clinical suspicion of autoimmune B12 deficiency, as rarely a normal Serum B12 result may be generated in the presence of high titre Intrinsic Factor antibodies.
• It is not possible to test for Intrinsic Factor antibodies on patients with a high Vitamin B12 level, for example with patients undergoing B12 replacement therapy.
• Grossly haemolysed, lipaemic or icteric samples may give erroneous results and will not be processed.
• Please note: A negative result with this test does not exclude a diagnosis of pernicious anaemia.
• See also: Vitamin B12 and Serum Folate assays; Vitamin B12 Investigation and Treatment Algorithm
• Test performed at CGH

Sample Requirements

5ml Gold-top SST tube or 3.5ml Rust-top gel tube (Trust users only)

Turnaround Times

7 days

Reference Ranges

N/A. Intrinsic Factor Antibody results will be reported as positive or negative.