also known as Alpha 1 antitrypsin phenotype in Serum or Plasma by Immunofixation
Alpha-1 antitrypsin level is used to help diagnose the cause of early onset emphysema, especially when a person does not have obvious risk factors such as smoking or exposure to lung irritants such as dust and fumes. It is also used to help diagnose the cause of persistent jaundice and other signs of liver dysfunction. Alpha-1-Antitrypsin level may be increased in normal pregnancy and in several diseases including chronic pulmonary disease; hereditary angioedema; renal, gastric, liver and pancreatic diseases; diabetes; carcinomas and rheumatoid diseases. Alpha-1-Antitrypsin may be decreased in emphysema, hepatic cirrhosis, respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn, nephrosis, malnutrition and cachexia. Alternative Names: Alpha1-antitrypsin, A1AT, AAT, Alpha1 Antitrypsin, a1-antitrypsin