Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Serum

Minimum volume required

1mL serum

Special requirements

None

Patient preparation

None

Sample viability

Turnaround time

2 days

Reference range

Adult range: 1.1 - 2.1 g/L

Clinical guidance

Measurement of alpha-1 antitrypsin (α1-AT) levels is useful in the investigation of emphysema, unexplained liver disease in adults or neonatal / juvenile jaundice. Patients with low α1-AT levels (<1.1 g/L) will be phenotyped to determine homozygous or heterozygous deficiency state. Note that α1-AT is an acute phase protein and therefore levels may rise in inflammatory conditions. Increased levels also occur in malignancy, pregnancy and during oestrogen therapy. Please refer to LabTestsOnlineUK for more information: https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/alpha-1-antitrypsin

Notes