Which antibody is commonly tested in pernicious anemia?

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Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune-driven B12 deficiency caused by loss or dysfunction of intrinsic factor production, which is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption in the ileum. Antibodies against intrinsic factor directly interfere with this absorption process, making anti-intrinsic factor antibodies the most specific and informative test for this condition. Their presence strongly supports autoimmune pernicious anemia, even though a subset of patients may lack them. Anti-parietal cell antibodies can also be seen, but they are less specific since these antibodies occur in other contexts as well. The other antibodies listed are associated with different autoimmune diseases and do not specifically pinpoint pernicious anemia.