Dry Blood Spot (DBS) Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Phenotyping by Electrophoresis
This test measures the type of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin protein in your blood using a dried blood spot sample. It helps determine if you have a specific variant that may increase your risk for lung or liver diseases.
["This test helps identify genetic variants of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin that could affect your health over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 104621-8
- Short code
- High DNA stainability NFr Smn FC
- Synonyms
- High DNA stainability NFr Smn FC
- 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
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- 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 Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have a family history of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency, symptoms like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or liver disease, or if you are at risk for these conditions due to genetic factors. It can also be used to monitor treatment or assess risk in certain inherited conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
You will have a small blood sample collected from your finger using a sterile needle. The blood is then dried on a special card and sent to a lab for analysis. This process is quick and typically painless.
What the Test Results Mean
The test identifies the specific type of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin protein in your blood. Different variants can indicate varying levels of risk for lung diseases, liver problems, or other health concerns. Your results will be discussed with your healthcare provider to guide further evaluation or management.
Common Conditions Linked to This Test
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema, and liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Identifying the specific variant helps tailor treatment and management strategies to your needs.
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 (A1AT) phenotyping is crucial for diagnosing and managing genetic conditions that affect lung and liver health. Early identification allows for proactive measures, such as lifestyle adjustments, pulmonary rehabilitation, or monitoring to prevent disease progression.
Short name
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (A1AT) Phenotyping
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive or abnormal result mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes help if I have an abnormal 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy