A 68-year-old patient with a history of chronic gastritis, p…
A 68-year-old patient with a history of chronic gastritis, presents to the outpatient clinic reporting a six-month history of decreasing coordination. Family notes they have become increasingly irritable with periodic confusion. The nurse assesses the patient and observes the patient is pale and jaundiced. The tongue appears shiny, smooth, and beefy red. The nurse initiates an IV and draws blood for laboratory analysis.Laboratory Findings:Hgb: 8.4 g/dL (Normal: 13.8-17.2 g/dL)MCV: 118 fL (80-100fl))WBC: 3,500 mm³ (4,000-11,000/mm³)Serum B12: 125 pg/mL (200–900 pg/mL)The nurse is reviewing the lab results. Which specific laboratory result would confirm that the B12 deficiency is due to an autoimmune process rather than dietary intake?