Useful For: Alpha-1-Antitrypsin level may be increased in normal pregnancy and in several diseases including chronic pulmonary disease; hereditary angioedema; renal, gastric, liver, and pancreatic diseases; diabetes; carcinomas and rheumatoid diseases. Alpha-1-Antitrypsin may be decreased in emphysema, hepatic cirrhosis, respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn, nephrosis, malnutrition, and cachexia. If a deficiency is present, aat phenotyping may be considered to confirm heterozygous versus homozygous deficiencies.
Methodology: Nephelometry
Specimen Requirements:
1 yellow-top SST tubes (minimum: 0.5 mL of serum). Centrifuge 30 minutes after draw. Refrigerate specimen after collection.
Analytical Time:
2 days
Days Set Up: Monday through Friday
CPT Information:
82103 – Alpha-1-antitrypsin