Diagnostic Criteria for Autoimmune Gastritis

Autoimmune gastritis is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, symptoms, blood tests, and sometimes a stomach biopsy. Blood tests often reveal antibodies that attack the stomach lining, low levels of vitamin B12, and reduced stomach acid. A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample from the stomach to check for immune cell infiltration and damage to the lining. These findings collectively help confirm the presence of autoimmune gastritis, a condition where the immune system mistakenly damages the stomach's inner lining, impairing its ability to produce necessary acids and vitamins.