Test ID: AAT
Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Serum
Useful For 
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Work-up of individuals with suspected disorders such as familial chronic obstructive lung disease
Diagnosis of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1A) is the most abundant serum protease inhibitor and inhibits trypsin and elastin, as well as several other proteases. The release of proteolytic enzymes from plasma onto organ surfaces and into tissue spaces results in tissue damage unless inhibitors are present. Congenital deficiency of A1A is associated with the development of emphysema at an unusually early age and with an increased incidence of neonatal hepatitis, usually progressing to cirrhosis.
See Alpha-1-Antitrypsin-A Comprehensive Testing Algorithm in Special Instructions.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
100-190 mg/dL
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Patients with serum levels <70 mg/dL may have a homozygous deficiency and are at risk for early lung disease. Alpha-1-antitrypsin genotyping should be done to confirm the presence of homozygous deficiency allelles.
If clinically indicated, patients with serum levels <125 mg/dL should be genotyped in order to identify heterozygous individuals. (Heterozygotes do not appear to be at increased risk for early emphysema.)
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Low alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1A) levels may result from liver disease, and A1A genotyping should be done to confirm A1A deficiency disease.
A1A is an acute-phase reactant and any inflammatory process will elevate serum A1A levels.
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Kanakoudi F, Drossou V, Tzimouli V, et al: Serum concentrations of 10 acute-phase proteins in healthy term and pre-term infants from birth to age 6 months. Clin Chem 1995;41: 605-608
2. Morse JO: Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. N Engl J Med 978;299:1045-1048; 1099-1105
3. Cox DW: Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. In The Metabolic and Molecular Basis of Inherited Disease. Vol. 3. 7th edition. Edited by CR Scriver, AL Beaudet, WS Sly, D Valle. New York, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1995, pp 4125-4158
External
link
PDF
document
Excel
document
Word
document