Alpha 1 Antitrypsin

Test Code

ALP1A

Alias/See Also

AAT-1, AAT, ALPHA-1

CPT Codes
82103

Preferred Specimen

Serum (gold or red top tube)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Container

Serum (gold or red top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration; Do not freeze plasma.

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 1 day; Refrigerated - 7 days; Freezing not recommended

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Quantity not Sufficient, EDTA (purple top tube) contamination, IV contamination

Methodology
Photometric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Reference Range

88 - 183 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

a1-Antitrypsin is a plasma glycoprotein synthesized predominately in the liver by hepatocytes. It is a small protein, consisting of 394 amino acids, that is glycosylated at three asparagine residues. a1-Antitrypsin is a serine proteinase inhibitor and is a member of the class of enzymatic inhibitors referred to as serpins. The major role of a1-antitrypsin is to inhibit neutrophil elastase from enzymatically degrading alveolar structures in the lung. Deficiency in a1-antitrypsin can arise from genetic variation where mutation of a1-antitrypsin can result in its retention in the hepatic endoplasmic reticulum and yield low plasma concentrations. Pulmonary diseases including emphysema and bronchiectasis are associated with low plasma levels of a1-antitrypsin. Cirrhosis, liver cancer, and juvenile hepatitis are also associated with a1-antitrypsin. a1-Antitrypsin is an acute-phase reactant. Levels can exceed two to three times that of normal due to inflammation and pregnancy.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.