Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT), Quantitative Test
About Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT), Quantitative Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | AAT, Alpha-1-Antiprotease, Alpha-1 Protease Inhibitor, Serum AAT Test, AAT Level Test, AATD Testing |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 2 to 4 business days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children of all ages and genders, particularly those with unexplained lung or liver disease |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,700 |
What Is an Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT), Quantitative Test?
The Alpha-1 Antitrypsin serum test measures the level of a liver-produced protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) in your blood. AAT protects the lungs from an enzyme called neutrophil elastase, which white blood cells release during infection and inflammation. Without enough AAT, this enzyme can damage lung tissue over time. Also referred to as AATD testing, AAT level testing, or serum alpha-1 antitrypsin testing, this test uses a small blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm.
What Does an Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT), Quantitative Test Measure?
This test measures a single key protein in the blood. The table below explains what is being assessed and why it matters.
| Parameter | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) | The amount of protective AAT protein in the blood; low levels suggest the lungs and liver may be at risk; high levels can point to inflammation or infection |
The test is usually performed using a method called nephelometry, which measures how light scatters through the blood sample, or by radial immunodiffusion, a gel-based measurement technique. The method used can influence the reference range applied to your result.
Why Is an Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT), Quantitative Test Done?
Doctors request an alpha-1 antitrypsin quantitation test when a patient's symptoms or medical history suggest a possible deficiency of this protein.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may order this test:
- Shortness of breath, particularly during physical activity
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Chronic cough with mucus production
- Frequent chest infections
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
An AAT level test can help identify or support the diagnosis of several conditions:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema (air sac damage) and bronchiectasis (permanently widened airways)
- Liver disease caused by a build-up of abnormal AAT protein in liver cells
- Neonatal hepatitis, a liver inflammation seen in newborns, which may progress to cirrhosis (liver scarring)
- Panniculitis, which refers to painful inflammatory nodules under the skin
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a condition involving blood vessel inflammation
- Respiratory distress in newborns, kidney disease (nephrosis), and severe malnutrition
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT), Quantitative Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Patients with confirmed AAT deficiency need regular follow-up. Doctors typically recommend surveillance every six to twelve months, which may include lung function tests, liver function tests, platelet counts, and liver imaging. The serum alpha-1 antitrypsin level may be repeated periodically, especially in patients receiving augmentation therapy, a treatment that replaces the deficient protein through intravenous infusions.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing correctly for this test helps ensure the most accurate result possible.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. If you are also having other tests done at the same visit, check whether those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help you get a reliable result:
- Avoid getting tested during an active infection or illness, as inflammation temporarily raises AAT levels
- Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and vitamins you are currently taking
- Stay well hydrated unless you have been told otherwise
- Wear a loose-fitting top or short sleeves for easy access to your arm
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection specialist) cleans the skin over a vein in your arm with an alcohol swab.
- A small needle is gently inserted into the vein.
- Approximately 2 mL of blood is drawn into a collection tube.
- The needle is removed, and light pressure is applied to the site to stop any minor bleeding.
- The sample tube is labelled and sealed carefully.
- The sample is sent to the laboratory, where it is analysed using nephelometry or a related technique.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain situations can cause AAT levels to appear higher or lower than they actually are:
- Active infections, inflammatory conditions, or cancer can raise AAT levels falsely
- Pregnancy and oestrogen-based medications (including oral contraceptives) can elevate results
- Steroid therapy and the period immediately after surgery may also alter levels
- Severe dehydration can affect blood sample quality
- The testing method used (nephelometry versus radial immunodiffusion) influences the reference range
Understanding Your Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT), Quantitative Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed alongside your full medical history and any other tests your doctor has ordered.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Low May Suggest | High May Suggest |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAT (nephelometry) | 100 to 220 mg/dL | AAT deficiency, emphysema, liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition | Inflammation, infection, cancer, oestrogen therapy |
| AAT (radial immunodiffusion) | 150 to 350 mg/dL | AAT deficiency, severe wasting | Inflammatory or infectious conditions |
| Deficiency threshold | Below 80 mg/dL | Increased risk of lung disease | Not applicable |
| Severe deficiency | Below 57 mg/dL | High risk of lung and liver disease | Not applicable |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Several situations are known to affect alpha-1 antitrypsin quantitation results and should be discussed with your doctor:
- During pregnancy, serum AAT levels can rise four to six times above the usual value. Patients who carry one defective gene (heterozygous carriers) may show levels that appear normal during pregnancy, potentially masking a mild deficiency.
- During periods of active inflammation or infection, AAT rises as part of the body's natural response. This can mask a deficiency, especially in people who carry only one defective copy of the relevant gene.
- Oestrogen therapy and oral contraceptives can also push AAT levels into or above the normal range.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips support lung and liver health:
- Avoid smoking and reduce exposure to dust, chemical fumes, and airborne irritants at work or home.
- Limit alcohol intake to protect your liver and ensure your hepatitis A and B vaccinations are up to date.
- Follow a balanced diet and keep up regular physical activity to support your overall health.
Lupin Diagnostics Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT), Quantitative Test Price and Home Collection
The alpha-1 antitrypsin serum test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at approximately ₹2,700, with home sample collection available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Bhopal | ₹2,700 |
| Mumbai | ₹2,700 |
| Bengaluru | ₹2,700 |
| Chennai | ₹2,700 |
| Hyderabad | ₹2,700 |
| Kolkata | ₹2,700 |
| Pune | ₹2,700 |
| Guwahati | ₹2,700 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the AAT level test across major Indian cities. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained technologists. Your digital report is delivered directly to your email or WhatsApp account once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (also written as A1AD or AATD) is a hereditary condition in which the body produces too little AAT protein. Without enough AAT, the lungs are left vulnerable to damage from the enzyme neutrophil elastase, which can lead to conditions such as emphysema and chronic liver disease. It is caused by changes in a specific gene and can be passed down in families.
This test is recommended for people with COPD or bronchiectasis that has no clear cause, those with unexplained liver disease, people with granulomatosis with polyangiitis or necrotising panniculitis, and first-degree relatives of anyone known to carry or be affected by AATD. Your doctor will advise whether testing is appropriate for you.
No fasting is required. However, it is not strictly mandatory according to all guidelines. If you are unsure, follow the specific instructions your doctor or the collection centre gives you.
Yes. AAT is an acute-phase reactant, meaning the body naturally produces more of it when inflammation or infection is present. This can push a low or borderline result into the normal range, potentially hiding a deficiency. Ideally, the serum alpha-1 antitrypsin test should be done when you are not acutely unwell.
If your result falls below 100 mg/dL, your doctor will usually recommend further testing, including phenotyping (identifying the type of AAT protein in the blood) or genotyping (a genetic test). These steps help confirm whether a true deficiency is present and identify the specific gene variant involved.
Yes. During pregnancy, AAT levels can rise four to six times above normal values. This means that someone with a mild or moderate deficiency may show a result within the normal range when tested during pregnancy. Always let your doctor know if you are pregnant when having this test done.
For people with confirmed AAT deficiency, follow-up is generally recommended every six to twelve months as part of ongoing monitoring. This may include repeat alpha-1 antitrypsin quantitation alongside other tests such as lung function assessments and liver imaging. Your doctor will set a schedule based on your individual situation.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT), Quantitative Test
