Congenital Lack of Intrinsic Factor: Diagnosis & Tests (Congenital Pernicious Anemia)

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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Congenital Lack of Intrinsic Factor: Diagnosis & Tests
Category : Health Centers > Blood Disorders and Lymphatic System

Congenital Lack of Intrinsic Factor

Alternate Names : Congenital Pernicious Anemia

Congenital Lack of Intrinsic Factor | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

How is the disease diagnosed?

A congenital lack of intrinsic factor may be suspected after the history and physical exam. A blood test called a complete blood count, or CBC, is done first. This test counts the number of cells in the blood and will show a low number of red blood cells if anemia is present. Next, a blood test called a vitamin B12 level is usually done, which measures the vitamin B12 level in the blood. A child with congenital lack of intrinsic factor has a low level of vitamin B12.

The diagnosis of congenital lack of intrinsic factor can be confirmed by a Schilling test, which uses radioactive vitamin B12 to measure the amount of vitamin B12 absorbed by the intestines.

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Congenital Lack of Intrinsic Factor: Symptoms & Signs		Congenital Lack of Intrinsic Factor: Prevention & Expectations

Author: Jorge Allende, MD
Reviewer: Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed: 07/02/01

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