Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Blood Test

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Blood Test, which is used to screen for a deficiency of the AAT protein by measuring AAT levels in the blood. Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a type of protein. Specifically, it is a protease inhibitor, which helps block the effects of certain substances that can damage the lungs and liver cells. People who don’t have enough AAT are more likely to develop potentially serious health conditions. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited condition associated with a heightened risk of lung and liver disease. AAT deficiency is relatively rare, but research indicates it often goes undiagnosed.

What conditions are associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?

Several health conditions are related to an AAT deficiency, such as:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) - COPD causes difficulty in breathing. Emphysema is a type of COPD due to lung damage. AAT deficiency is the most common COPD complication, causing up to 3% of emphysema cases in the US. Smoking or lung irritants increase emphysema risk in AAT deficiency.
• Liver diseases - AAT deficiency can cause damage to the liver, leading to liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, as well as increasing the risk of primary liver cancer.
• Panniculitis - AAT deficiency is a rare condition that can cause panniculitis, which is characterized by painful and hot red nodules on the skin. The nodules are mostly found around the buttocks, thigh, or abdomen.

When should I order an Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Blood Test?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to an underlying AAT deficiency. Common signs and symptoms that may warrant AAT testing include:

• Emphysema that begins at age 45 or earlier
• A family history of emphysema or liver disease
• Asthma that starts during adulthood
• Bronchiectasis
• Panniculitis
• Liver disease without a known cause