Fasting specimens are preferred for optimal results.
Sample stability:
-
7 days at 15-25 o C
-
3 months at 2-8 o C
-
3 months at -20 o C
Uncertainty of measurement 4%
| Age Range | Either Sex |
|---|---|
| All | 1 - 2 |
For the detection of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
Hereditary deficiency could be the cause of early onset emphysema, neonatal hepatitis or juvenile cirrhosis.
A deficiency could be masked if alpha-1-antitrypsin is increased due to a concomitant acute inflammatory response (caused by inflammation, infection, trauma, or malignancy) or if the patient is on oral contraceptives.
Low levels are also seen in children with respiratory distress syndrome, severe neonatal hepatitis, nephrotic syndrome (sometimes) and severe liver or pancreatic disease. Phenotyping will confirm if a decrease is due to a genetic deficiency.
Risk of Wegener's granulomatosis or Henoch-Schonlein purpura is increased in ATT deficient individuals
Reference:
Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2003; 168:818-900 American Thoracic Society / European Respiratory Society statement: Standards for the diagnosis and management of individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
See alpha-1-Antitrypsin - Phenotyping
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If the query concerns a specific patient please include the NHI number in your email.
If email is not a suitable option, please contact the on-call chemical pathologist via Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995).
Individual chemical pathologists may be contacted but will not be available at all times.
After-hours : contact Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours.
Dr Samarina Musaad (Clinical Lead) : SamarinaM@adhb.govt.nz ext. 22402
Dr Cam Kyle: CampbellK@adhb.govt.nz ext 22052
Dr Weldon Chiu: WeldonC@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Campbell Heron: CHeron@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Sakunthala Jayasinghe: Sakunthala@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427