Anti-Parietal Cell Test - Anti-Parietal Cell Antibodies (APCA) Test

The anti-parietal cell antibody (APCA) test is an immunoseriovenous test that detects the presence of IgG autoantibodies directed against parietal cells in the gastric mucosa. These cells secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor (IF). The presence of these antibodies is associated with an autoimmune mechanism that leads to the progressive destruction of parietal cells, causing autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AAG), which can progress to pernicious anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency.