Test Category: Immunology
Investigation Name:Intrinsic Factor Antibody
Alias or Abbreviation:INF, IFAB
Intro:
Indication:Pernicious anaemia.
Further information:
Pernicious Anaemia is a clinical manifestation of autoimmune gastritis and is associated with the presence of intrinsic factor antibodies.
New Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of cobalamin and folate disorders (British Committee for Standards in Haematology).
1. All patients with anaemia, neuropathy or glossitis, and suspected of having pernicious anaemia, should be tested for anti-IFAB regardless of cobalamin levels (Grade 1A).
2. Patients found to have a low serum cobalamin level in the absence of anaemia and who do not have food malabsorption or other causes of deficiency, should be tested for IFAB to clarify whether they have an early/latent presentation of pernicious anaemia (Grade 2A).
3. Anti-GPC antibody testing for diagnosing pernicious anaemia is not recommended (Grade 1A).
Pathology Laboratory:Immunology Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Minimum Sample Volume:1mL
Expected Turnaround Time:Frequency of testing: Daily Target: 4 days
Test Code:IFA
Sample Type:
Serum Gel Tube (Gold top)/ PlasmaComplex Reference Range:<7 U/mL = Negative
Collection Conditions / Other Information:1st class post or Transport
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Ambient temperature
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:Yes
EQA Scheme:Yes
Lead Contact Details:rwh-tr.bcpsimmunologyclinicalqueries@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.ImmunologyLab@nhs.net
Methodology:Fluoroenzymeimmunoassay
UKAS Reference Number:9580 (recommended)
Site Sample Tested:Immunology, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton
Minimum Request Interval (MRI):180 days (6 months) over 16y only
Contact Number:01902 695 279 or Ext 85279
