Testing for Alpha-1

You could be one of the estimated 60,000-100,0001,2 people who has Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency*.

*Also known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, AATD, A1-PI deficiency, alpha-1 proteinase deficiency, A1AD, or hereditary or genetic emphysema.

"It is recommended that all subjects with COPD or asthma characterized by incompletely reversible air flow obstruction should be tested once for AAT deficiency." 3

—American Thoracic Society / European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS)

Not all individuals with AATD will develop symptomatic emphysema.

Testing for Alpha-1 is recommended when you have symptoms of Alpha-1, or if a family member has been diagnosed with Alpha-1. Use our convenient interactive symptom checker to see if you might be at risk.

Testing for AAT deficiency is as easy as a simple finger-stick blood test.

References

  1. American Lung Association. COPD Fact Sheet. http://www.lungusa.org/lung-disease/copd/resources/facts-figures/COPD-Fact-Sheet.html.  Accessed June 9, 2011.
  2. de Serres FJ, Blanco I, Fernández-Bustillo E. Genetic epidemiology of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in North America and Australia/New Zealand; Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America. Clin Genet. 2003;64:382-397.
  3. Adapted from the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Statement: Standards for the diagnosis and management of individuals with AAT deficiency. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003; 168:818-900.