Parietal Cell Antibody GPCA Test By IFA Serum

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to production of large sized RBC with functional defects leading to megaloblastic anemia. Vitamin B12 is also required to maintain the central nervous system and its deficiency can lead to neurological deficits. 
Despite adequate dietary intake parietal cell antibody or intrinsic factor deficiency can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. Establishing the cause of Vitamin B12 is essential for treatment

The Parietal Cell Antibody (GPCA) test, is also known as the PCA test. It is a laboratory test. It is used to detect the presence of parietal cell antibodies in a patient's serum. The test is performed using an Indirect Fluorescence Assay (IFA) method.

The IFA method is regarded as a highly sensitive and specific test for the detection of parietal cell antibodies. It is regarded as the gold standard for the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases like pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease. It is characterized by the eradication of the parietal cells in the stomach.

Written by: Dr Vishal Wadhwa, M.D, D.N.B Microbiology, Medical Affairs