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Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (A1A)

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EPIC Test Name

ALPHA-1-ANTITRYPSIN

EPIC Code

LAB810

Specimen Requirements

plasma
Minimum Volume:0.5 mL
Collection:Collect using standard laboratory procedures
Transport:Room Temperature
Stability:Room Temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 3 months
Frozen: 3 months
Container:LIT-GRN
Rejection Causes:Insufficent Sample Volume

Methods

Immunoturbidimetric Assay

Turnaround Time

SpecimenTurnaround TimeFrequency
plasmaStat: 90 minutes Routine: 4 hours24/7

Reference Ranges

Immunoturbidimetric Assay
All RangeUnit
90-200 mg/dLmg/dL

Clinical Indications

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1A) is synthesized in hepatocytes and function as a protease inhibitor. A1A specifically inactivates serine proteases (e.g. trypsin, chymotrypsin, collagenase, leukocyte elastase, plasmin and thrombin). Deficiency of A1A is associated with the development of emphysema at an unusually early age. It is also suspected when severe pulmonary emphysema occurs in adults due to the prevalence of leukocyte elastase, which can lead to unrestrained proteolytic degradation of the pulmonary parenchymal cells. Congenital A1A deficiency is associated with an increased incidence of neonatal hepatitis, usually progressing to cirrhosis. A1A is also an important, positive acute phase reactant. A1A concentration is increased in inflammatory processes (e.g. infectious and rheumatoid diseases), tissue necrosis, malignancy and traumas. Inflammation of the liver parenchymal cells is often accompanied by elevated A1A levels, although levels of other acute phase reactants are not affected.

Performed

Lab
Chemistry - Downtown

Interpretative Information

Patients with serum A1A concentration much lower than the low limit of reference range may be indicative of a homozygous deficiency and are likely at risk for lung disease. If clinically indicated, patients with serum A1A levels near the low limit of the reference range may indicate heterozygous individuals. Heterozygotes do not appear to be at increased risk for early emphysema.
Notes: Low serum A1A levels can be due to liver disease. A1A is an acute-phase reactant and any inflammatory process will increase serum A1A levels.

CPT

82103

LOINC

1825-9

References

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;41:605-8.
2. Morse JO: Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. N Engl J Med 1978;299:1045-8 & 1099-105.

Contact Information

Chemistry - Downtown: (315)464-4460
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