Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (Serum) Concentration
This test measures the level of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, a protein produced by the liver that helps protect the lungs from damage caused by enzymes released during inflammation.
["Alpha-1 Antitrypsin helps prevent lung damage and can be important if you have a genetic risk for lung or liver disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 7478-1
- Short code
- Coastal Maple IgE Qn
- Synonyms
- Coastal Maple IgE Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like chronic cough, shortness of breath, or liver problems, or if you have a family history of conditions like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. It may also be checked before surgeries or procedures that could increase lung exposure to harmful substances.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves drawing blood from your arm. Bring any medications you’re taking, as they could affect results.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will insert a needle into a vein in your arm to collect a blood sample. You may feel a slight pinch, but the procedure is quick and typically painless. The blood will be sent to a lab for analysis.
Possible Results and Their Meaning
Low levels of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin may indicate a genetic deficiency that increases your risk for lung diseases (like emphysema) or liver disease. High levels are less commonly significant but could be checked in certain liver conditions. Your results will be compared to standard reference ranges provided by your lab.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder that can lead to chronic lung diseases (such as emphysema) or chronic liver diseases (like cirrhosis). Early detection through this test can help guide treatment plans, including enzyme replacement therapy or lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
Short name
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (A1AT)
Frequently asked questions
What does a low Alpha-1 Antitrypsin level mean?
Can diet or medications affect this test?
Is this test painful?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy