Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (A1AT) in Serum/Plasma by Immunoassay (Confirmatory Probe)
This test measures the level of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, a protein that helps protect your lungs and liver from damage caused by enzymes released during inflammation.
["A1AT levels may help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting your lungs or liver."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 85500-7
- Short code
- NDM
- Synonyms
- blaNDM AnorectlIslt Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube for serum; EDTA tube acceptable for molecular testing per laboratory protocol
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 87150 (Culture, presumptive identification of carbapenem-resistant organism); molecular confirmation may use 87798 (unlisted microbiology) or 87500-87503 (resistance gene detection)
- SNOMED
- 425700008
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL of whole blood; minimum 1 mL serum
- Stability
- Refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 48 hours; freeze at -70°C or below for extended storage beyond 48 hours; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like chronic cough, shortness of breath, or liver issues, or if you have a family history of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency. It can also be used to check levels after a screening test to confirm results.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood. If a urine sample is involved, you’ll collect it in a container at home or during a clinic visit.
What the Test Results Mean
Lower than expected levels may indicate Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency, which can increase your risk of lung disease (like emphysema) or liver problems. Higher levels may be seen in certain inflammatory conditions.
Common Conditions Affecting Results
Conditions like chronic lung diseases, liver cirrhosis, or certain infections may influence A1AT levels. Smoking or exposure to air pollution can also affect lung-related tests.
Reference range
Negative (blaNDM gene not detected). Positive indicates presence of carbapenem resistance gene.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Standard aseptic technique for blood collection. If patient is on antimicrobial therapy, note the specific agents.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test helps confirm Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition that can lead to lung disease or liver damage. Low levels are critical for early diagnosis and treatment planning, especially in individuals with a family history of the condition.
Short name
A1AT Confirmatory
Frequently asked questions
What causes Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect A1AT levels?
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