Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Test

Alpha 1 Antitrypsin is indeed a vital protein from the serpin superfamily and is first described by Laurell and Eriksson in the year 1963. This protein is originally encoded by the Serpina1 gene of the human DNA. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) can be highly helpful in identifying alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and whether it’s the cause of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at cases when the person is free from certain risk factors like smoking, exposure to fumes, dust and certain other similar conditions.

Strictly speaking, there are three different methods for this protein deficiency test namely phenotype test, blood test and genotype test. As far as the simplicity is concerned, one would heavily opt for a blood test and it’s quite similar to that of a usual blood test. For this, all you’ve to do is to follow the instructions of the physician regarding the meal to be taken before the test and also the first time (if any). A sleeveless or rolled up sleeved shirt is advisable for the ease of taking the blood sample. It would be sensible if you reach the lab a few minutes early than the prescribed time.

One of the prime use of performing this test is to identify whether the person has alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency or not. This test is also used when a person is suffering from asthma that gets to obstruct the breathing. Apart from that, this test can also be helpful in identifying the root cause of persistent jaundice as well as the sign of unexpected liver injury as well. Mostly, this test is done for children but at times, it can also be done on adults as well.

As mentioned above, the reason for opting for the blood test is its simplicity and it can easily be tasked out by following the steps below. The skin is cleaned with the help of alcohol or a spirit. At the place where the skin was rinsed earlier, a needle will be injected into the vein which can be clearly seen with the naked eye. The blood is then taken out from the nozzle The sample is then sent to the laboratory for further formalities.