~1 in 100

older adults are affected by pernicious anaemia

RCPA Manual

Good reasons to test

Confirmed or suspected low B12 needing a cause
A personal or family history of pernicious anaemia or autoimmune conditions
Neurological symptoms (tingling, numbness) alongside low B12

Intrinsic Factor Antibodies

No fasting required. Any time of day Results arrive in 5-7 business days, explained in plain language in your dashboard. Most results sit within the usual range - that is still useful, and anything unexpected supports a conversation with your healthcare practitioner.

Targeted Testing

Intrinsic Factor Antibodies (IFAB)

Checking for an autoimmune cause of low B12

$99one-off, no subscription

NATA-accredited pathology
No GP referral needed
Results in 5-7 business days
Collect at 1,900+ centres

Why this test

Intrinsic factor antibodies help identify whether low B12 has an autoimmune cause, which standard B12 testing alone cannot explain.

Intrinsic factor is a protein your stomach makes to absorb vitamin B12. In some people the immune system produces antibodies against it, which can interfere with absorption — the underlying mechanism in pernicious anaemia. A positive result is highly specific, though not everyone with B12 absorption issues will test positive. Results are interpreted by your health practitioner alongside B12, MMA, and your symptoms.

Understanding your results

Not detected

Intrinsic factor antibodies were not detected, which does not support an autoimmune cause of low B12

Detected

Intrinsic factor antibodies were detected. This is highly specific for pernicious anaemia and worth discussing with your health practitioner alongside your B12 results

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and personal context. Your result is shown against the lab's range in your dashboard, alongside what it means.

How it works

TODAY

Order online

Pick a test or panel and check out. No GP referral, no waiting room.

THIS WEEK

One quick visit

Walk into one of 1,900+ NATA-accredited collection centres. A single blood draw is all it takes.

IN 2–5 DAYS

Clear results

We translate your results into plain language in your dashboard - what each marker means, and what is in range.

ONGOING

Track over time

Retest when it matters and watch your trends, so you can see what is actually changing.

Yes. You can order a Intrinsic Factor Antibodies (IFAB) test online from Clarity Labs without a GP referral. It's $99, collected at any of 1,900+ NATA-accredited centres across Australia, with results in 5-7 business days via your secure online dashboard.

A Intrinsic Factor Antibodies (IFAB) test is $99 at Clarity Labs — a one-off price with no subscription or membership. That covers your pathology request form and collection at any of 1,900+ NATA-accredited centres nationwide.

No referral is needed to order this test through Clarity Labs. Your results are best reviewed with a health practitioner who can interpret them in context.

No, fasting is not required. You can have this test at any time of day.

Intrinsic factor antibodies are highly specific but not very sensitive — a negative result does not rule out a B12 absorption problem. Your health practitioner will consider it alongside B12, MMA, and your symptoms.

Results are typically available in 5-7 business days via your dashboard.

NATA-accredited pathologyCollected through Sonic Healthcare1,900+ collection centresNo GP referral needed

Complete your health picture

Tests and panels that pair well with this one.

Fasting BSL

Fasting blood glucose measurement for diabetes screening and glucose control monitoring.

$45

Learn more

Calcium

Calcium level measurement for bone health, kidney function, and parathyroid assessment.

$45

Learn more

hs CRP

High-sensitivity inflammation marker for cardiovascular risk assessment.

$49

Learn more

IGF 1

IGF-1 assessment for growth hormone status and healthy ageing context.

$49

Learn more

This information is for general education and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results are best interpreted with a qualified healthcare practitioner in the context of your symptoms and history.