Alpha - 1 - Antitrypsin - Serum

The alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) serum test is used to determine if the patient has a deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein. This protein is produced by the liver and helps protect the liver and the lungs from damage and common ailments like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a severe lung disease that makes breathing difficult. The alpha-1 antitrypsin test may also help diagnose a rare form of liver disease occurring in infants.

Usually, the deficiency of AAT can be genetic since this protein is made by specific genes in the patient’s body. Every individual inherits two copies of genes that make the AAT protein from each of their parents. If these genes undergo mutation, the body may produce less alpha-1 antitrypsin protein than it normally should, or the protein will not work as intended.

To address this deficiency and work out a treatment plan for the same, an alpha-1 antitrypsin test is undertaken. It is most suitable for individuals under 45 who don’t smoke but still face symptoms that include:

Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Rapid heartbeat on standing up
Persistent asthma that doesn’t respond to treatments
Vision problems
Chronic cough

Patients should also get tested if they have a family history of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein deficiency. For infants, there are a host of other symptoms that might warrant an alpha-1 antitrypsin test. These are:

Frequent itching
Enlarged spleen
Jaundice, with yellowing of the skin and eyes lasting for more than two weeks

The procedure of an alpha-1 antitrypsin test is similar to that of a standard blood test. The results of the alpha-1 antitrypsin test indicate the level of mutated alpha-1 antitrypsin protein genes in your body. The lower the result is than the average level, the more likely it is that a patient has two mutated genes and is deficient in the protein.

Different labs have different ranges of what is considered the average count, so the readings may differ accordingly. However, the results are usually expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood or micromoles per litre (µM/L).

A doctor or physician may normally advise an alpha-1 antitrypsin test, considering the patient’s medical history and symptoms. The earlier the patient gets the test done, the faster he can be sure if he suffers from the condition.

Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive alpha-1 antitrypsin test to diagnose the condition early and help devise suitable treatments. 

Medically edited by Dr. Sonia Bhatt.