Alpha-1-antitrypsin; total

Procedure Information

What is Alpha-1-antitrypsin; total?

Alpha-1-antitrypsin; total is a blood test performed to measure the amount of alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) in the blood. A1AT is a protein, produced in the liver, that helps protect the lungs.

Why would I get an Alpha-1-antitrypsin; total?

An Alpha-1-antitrypsin; total test is usually ordered if there is a suspected diagnosis of a genetic condition called Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is a rare condition in which a person lacks enough of the protein in their blood to defend the lungs from damage.

What happens during an Alpha-1-antitrypsin; total?

During this procedure, a health care practitioner takes a sample of the patient’s blood and sends it to a laboratory for analysis.

What to expect after an Alpha-1-antitrypsin; total?

There are usually no side effects or risks associated with this procedure. Results of the test typically become available within a few days.

Conclusion

An Alpha-1-antitrypsin; total is a simple blood procedure that measures the amount of Alpha-1-antitrypsin in a patient’s blood. It is commonly ordered by a healthcare practitioner to diagnose Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, a rare genetic condition that impacts the lungs. Results of the procedure typically becomes available within a few days, with no side effects or risks of the procedure.