Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency laboratory tests
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory Findings
The diagnosis of alpha-1 AT deficiency should be suspected in any patient who:
- Develops emphysema younger than 45 years old, if they are a non/minimal smoker, or if they have primarily basilar disease OR
- Has a history of panniculitis or
- Has or has a family history of unexplained liver disease (especially cirrhosis or hepatoma).
- In suspected individuals the initial step is to measure the serum alpha-1 AT concentration.
- In general, phenotyping should be reserved for patients who have low or borderline low alpha-1 AT levels.
- PFTs-pulmonary function tests (spirometry pre and post bronchodilators, lung volumes and diffusing capacity),
- LFTs (liver function test)
- ABG-arterial blood gases (usually)
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: