Antibodies to parietal cells may be suggestive of pernicious anemia, however it is not the most accurate test. It suffers from a relatively low specificity - meaning that a positive test may not be caused by pernicious anemia.
The test for antibodies for intrinsic factor would be more helpful - but is not the most perfect test. If positive, then it is highly suggestive of pernicious anemia, but the sensitivity ranges from 50 to 80 percent (i.e. will be positive only 50 to 80 percent of the time when pernicious anemia is present).
Another consideration would be to perform the Schilling test, where administration of radionucleotides can help with the diagnosis.
Regarding the B12 levels - there will be times where the levels will vary. The amount of variation would depend if there is disease present or not.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Hi!
Thanks for your reply. What kind of stomach problems do you have?
Gail
Hi gaylemh, this internal tingling has been experienced by me, it happens when my stomach is acting up. I have been told that the tingling in the muscles throughout the body is common when their are stomach problems...
Have you had your large intestine checked? I had my terminal ilium out (resectionby way of Crohn's) about 25 years ago and have pernicious anemia - have been on B-12 shots monthly since, and monitored every two months.
Hi! Yes I just had an upper and lower endoscopy done a few months ago. Also had a small bowel series done. Everything normal except for some gastritis. I have been very lucky, I have only had two flares when I was in my twenties.