Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (A1A) |
EPIC Test Name
ALPHA-1-ANTITRYPSINEPIC Code
LAB810Specimen 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 AssayTurnaround Time
Specimen | Turnaround Time | Frequency |
---|---|---|
plasma | Stat: 90 minutes Routine: 4 hours | 24/7 |
Reference Ranges
Immunoturbidimetric Assay
All Range | Unit |
---|---|
90-200 mg/dL | mg/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 |
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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
82103LOINC
1825-9References
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.