Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Quantitative Test
This test measures the concentration of alpha-1-antitrypsin, a protein, in a blood serum sample. Levels of this protein can rise or fall in association with a wide range of conditions.
About this test
Alpha-1-antitrypsin is a protein whose serum concentration is measured using an immunoturbidimetric assay. Quest describes levels as potentially elevated in pregnancy and in conditions such as chronic pulmonary disease, hereditary angioedema, kidney, stomach, liver or pancreatic disease, diabetes, carcinomas, and rheumatoid diseases.
Quest also describes levels as potentially decreased in emphysema, liver cirrhosis, newborn respiratory distress, nephrosis, malnutrition, and cachexia. Because the protein can move in either direction across such a range of conditions, a clinician reads the result together with the reason testing was ordered.
Who might consider this test?
- Quest notes that if a low level is found, phenotyping may be considered to help distinguish heterozygous from homozygous deficiency forms.
Test details
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports a single value: the concentration of alpha-1-antitrypsin in serum. Because this protein can be elevated or decreased across many different conditions, the result is read in the context of why the test was ordered, and a low result may prompt further phenotyping.
This test isn't part of the Celio Health store at the moment, so it can't be ordered or requested here. The test menu lists everything that can.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does this test measure?
It quantifies alpha-1-antitrypsin protein concentration in serum using an immunoturbidimetric method.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a 1 mL serum sample analyzed by an immunoturbidimetric assay.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
What can cause alpha-1-antitrypsin levels to be elevated?
Quest lists pregnancy and conditions such as chronic pulmonary disease, hereditary angioedema, kidney, stomach, liver or pancreatic disease, diabetes, carcinomas, and rheumatoid diseases as associated with elevated levels.
What happens if a low level is found?
Quest notes that phenotyping may be considered to help distinguish heterozygous from homozygous deficiency forms.