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Epic Test Code LAB810 Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Serum

Additional Codes

MML Code: AAT

 

NY State Approved

Yes

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Reporting Name

Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, S

Method Name

Nephelometry

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 28 days
  Ambient  28 days
  Frozen  28 days


Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Red top

Acceptable: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.


Bassett Healthcare Network Clinical Laboratories Note:

Blood Tube Draw Volume
Min 50% draw volume  

Specimen Type

Serum

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Reference Values

100-190 mg/dL

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

CPT Code Information

82103

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus OK

Useful For

Workup of individuals with suspected disorders such as familial chronic obstructive lung disease

 

Diagnosing alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

Testing Algorithm

For more information see Alpha-1-Antitrypsin-A Comprehensive Testing Algorithm.

Clinical Information

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1A) is the most abundant serum protease inhibitor, and it inhibits trypsin and elastin as well as several other proteases. 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 A1A is associated with the development of emphysema at an unusually early age and with an increased incidence of neonatal hepatitis, usually progressing to cirrhosis.

 

For more information see Alpha-1-Antitrypsin-A Comprehensive Testing Algorithm.

Interpretation

Patients with serum levels less than 70 mg/dL may have a homozygous deficiency and are at risk for early lung disease. Alpha-1-antitrypsin proteotype testing should be done to confirm the presence of homozygous deficiency alleles.

 

If clinically indicated, patients with serum levels less than 125 mg/dL should have proteotype testing in order to identify heterozygous individuals. Heterozygotes do not appear to be at increased risk for early emphysema.

Cautions

Low alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1A) levels may result from liver disease, and A1A proteotype testing should be done to confirm A1A deficiency disease.

 

A1A is an acute-phase reactant, and any inflammatory process will elevate serum A1A levels.

 

Quantitation of specific proteins by nephelometric means may not be possible in lipemic sera due to the extreme light scattering properties of the specimen. Turbidity and particles in the specimen may result in extraneous light scattering signals, resulting in variable specimen analysis.

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following with the specimen:

-Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728)

-General Request (T239)