Alpha1-antitrypsin, serum
Clinical Background:
A1AT is an abundant serum protease inhibitor. The release of proteolytic enzymes from plasma onto organ surfaces and into tissue spaces results in tissue damage unless inhibitors are present. Conge...
A1AT is an abundant serum protease inhibitor. The release of proteolytic enzymes from plasma onto organ surfaces and into tissue spaces results in tissue damage unless inhibitors are present. Congenital deficiency of A1AT is associated with the development of emphysema at an unusually early age and with increased incidence of neonatal hepatitis, usually progressing to cirrhosis.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin inhibits trypsin, chymotrypsin, plasmin, thrombin, collagenase and elastase, and as such prevents breakdown of normal proteins by these enzymes. There are at least 50 genetic variants of α1-antitrypsin of which at least 7 are associated with low functional plasma α1-antitrypsin concentration. Hereditary α1-antitrypsin deficiency presents clinically with pulmonary disease or hepatic cirrhosis, and a low α1-antitrypsin concentration should be confirmed with phenotype analysis. As an acute phase protein, levels may be raised in various inflammatory conditions, infection, neoplasia, systemic lupus erythromatosis, pregnancy, and in patients taking oral contraceptives. Serial monitoring of Rheumatoid Factor is not recommended as there is not a useful correlation with disease activity.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
0.5 mL blood
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Sample Stability:
Unseparated sample: 11 days
Separated samples:
at +15° to +25°C 3 months
at +2° to +8°C 5 months
at -20°C 3 monthsUnseparated sample: 11 days
Separated samples:
at +15° to +25°C 3 months
at +2° to +8°C 5 months
at -20°C 3 months -
Reference Ranges:
0.9 -2.0 g/L
0.9 -2.0 g/L
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Other Info:
Lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable.
Lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable.
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719 -
Routine Email: