Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, Body Fluid — Substance Concentration
This test measures alpha-1 antitrypsin, a liver-made protein, in a body-fluid sample. Results depend on the type of fluid and the clinical situation.
["The result shows the concentration of alpha-1 antitrypsin in the submitted body fluid and must be interpreted alongside other findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50084-3
- Short code
- AAA Fld-sCnc
- Synonyms
- AAA Fld-sCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a protein made by the liver that helps protect tissues from inflammation. This test measures its concentration in a body-fluid sample; the exact type of fluid should be confirmed with the ordering clinician or laboratory.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test to evaluate protein levels in a fluid sample or to investigate findings that could be related to liver function, inflammation, or protein loss. The reason for testing depends on which fluid was collected and the symptoms or other test results.
How is the test performed?
A laboratory analyzes the submitted fluid using a validated testing method and reports the alpha-1 antitrypsin concentration. The sample may be collected during a routine office visit, a fluid drainage procedure, or another clinical procedure.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually needed for an already-collected fluid sample. If the fluid will be collected during your visit, follow the laboratory's instructions and ask whether fasting or other preparation is required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A lower-than-expected alpha-1 antitrypsin concentration may be associated with reduced protein production, liver disease, or protein loss, while a higher concentration may occur with inflammation. Results can also vary by fluid type, so they should be interpreted by your clinician together with the collection method and other laboratory findings.
Short name
Alpha-1 antitrypsin, body fluid
Frequently asked questions
Does this test measure alpha-1 antitrypsin in blood?
What does an abnormal alpha-1 antitrypsin level mean?
Will I receive a reference range with my result?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy