Test Code LAB810 Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Serum
Additional Codes
AAT
Useful For
Workup of individuals with suspected disorders such as familial chronic obstructive lung disease
Diagnosing alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Alpha-1-Antitrypsin-A Comprehensive Testing Algorithm.
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in RochesterSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
Ambient | 28 days | ||
Frozen | 28 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
100-190 mg/dL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
82103
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
AAT | Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, S | 6771-0 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
AAT | Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, S | 6771-0 |
Interpretation
Patients with serum levels less than 70 mg/dL may have a homozygous deficiency and are at risk for early lung disease. Alpha-1-antitrypsin proteotype testing should be done to confirm the presence of homozygous deficiency alleles.
If clinically indicated, patients with serum levels less than 125 mg/dL should have proteotype testing in order to identify heterozygous individuals. Heterozygotes do not appear to be at increased risk for early emphysema.
Method Description
In this Siemens Nephelometer II method, the light scattered onto the antigen-antibody complexes is measured. The intensity of the measured scattered light is proportional to the amount of antigen-antibody complexes in the sample under certain conditions. If the antibody volume is kept constant, the signal behaves proportionally to the antigen volume.
A reference curve is generated by a standard with a known antigen content on which the scattered light signals of the samples can be evaluated and calculated as an antigen concentration. Antigen-antibody complexes are formed when a sample containing antigen and the corresponding antiserum are put into a cuvette. A light beam is generated with an LED, which is transmitted through the cuvette. The light is scattered onto the immuno-complexes that are present. Antigen and antibody are mixed in the initial measurement, but no complex is yet formed. An antigen-antibody complex is formed in the final measurement.
The result is calculated by subtracting value of the final measurement from the initial measurement. The distribution of intensity of the scattered light depends on the ratio of the particle size of the antigen-antibody complexes to the radiated wavelength.(Unpublished Mayo method; instruction manual: Siemens Nephelometer II. Siemens, Inc; Version 2.3, 2008; Addendum to the Instruction Manual 2.3, 08/2017)
Report Available
1 to 3 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Nephelometry
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following with the specimen:
-Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728)
-General Request (T239)