Alpha-1 Antitrypsin - Quantitative
Description:
Measurement of AAT is indicated in the evaluation of the following:
· Chronic obstructive airway disease (COPD)
· Emphysema
· Neonatal and adult liver disease
AAT phenotyping will be added in patients where AAT concentrations are below the reference range.
AAT phenotype should be determined in all children with liver disease irrespective of AAT concentration.
· Chronic obstructive airway disease (COPD)
· Emphysema
· Neonatal and adult liver disease
AAT phenotyping will be added in patients where AAT concentrations are below the reference range.
AAT phenotype should be determined in all children with liver disease irrespective of AAT concentration.
Clinical details:
Lower concentrations are found in early childhood and in old age. Increased concentrations are found in pregnancy and in individuals taking exogenous oestrogens. AAT is a slow acute phase reactant and serum concentrations rise 2-3 fold within days of trauma, acute infection or tissue necrosis. Persistent elevations are seen in chronic infections and malignant disease however, measurement of AAT in these circumstances is of little diagnostic value. Low concentrations may have diagnostic importance.
Reference range:
See Chemistry Reference Ranges Document at Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas'
Synonyms or keywords:
AAT, A1AT, AAQ, alpha-1-antitrypsin
Units:
g/L
Department:
Location:
Sample type and Volume required:
Serum preferred though lithium heparin and EDTA- plasma are also acceptable. Grossly haemolysed/lipaemic/icteric samples are not suitable.
Minimum sample volume 250 uL.
Minimum sample volume 250 uL.
Call in advance:
No
Turnaround time:
1 day
Storage and transport:
Cell-free serum/plasma is stable for 7 days at 20-25 °C, 3 months at 2-8 °C and 3 months at -20 °C. Repeated freezing and thawing of samples should be avoided (freeze only once).
Contacts:
Blood Sciences Department-Guy's And St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247
Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247
Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
Automated Chemistry Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Monday – Friday, 09:00-17:00 h: 07738897061
Out of hours, weekends & bank holidays: find details on Rotawatch on Trust intranet GTi, or contact via GSTT switchboard.
Out of hours, weekends & bank holidays: find details on Rotawatch on Trust intranet GTi, or contact via GSTT switchboard.
Last updated: 09/10/2023
