- 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 (IFAB)
Measures antibodies to intrinsic factor, usually checked when vitamin B12 is already low
- NATA-accredited pathology
- No GP referral needed
- Results in 5 to 7 business days
- Collect at 1,900+ centres
Why this test
Intrinsic factor antibodies are usually tested when B12 is low and an autoimmune cause is being considered, which a B12 level alone cannot show. A negative result does not rule one out.
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, part of the mechanism in pernicious anaemia. When B12 is low, a GP reads a positive result as strong support for pernicious anaemia, although a B12 dose in the week or two before the test can make the result look positive when it isn't. A negative result does not rule out pernicious anaemia or another B12 absorption problem. Results are interpreted by your health practitioner alongside B12, MMA, and your symptoms.
Understanding your results
Intrinsic factor antibodies were not detected, which does not support an autoimmune cause of low B12
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
Pick a test or panel and check out. No GP referral, no waiting room.
Walk into one of 1,900+ NATA-accredited collection centres. A single blood draw is all it takes.
We translate your results into plain language in your dashboard - what each marker means, and what is in range.
Retest when it matters and watch your trends, so you can see what is actually changing.
Complete your health picture
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$79This 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.