The A1A (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin) blood test is used to detect a deficiency of this protease inhibitor. Most cases of deficiencies are inherited, making the conditions this blood test are able to detect genetic disorders. It is most commonly ordered when patients appear to be suffering from the signs and symptoms of early onset emphysema when no other obvious lifestyle choices, habits, or risk factors are present, such as dust exposure or smoking.
In certain individuals, the A1A blood test is also useful for determining the cause of jaundice that is persistent and other conditions that may be present because of liver malfunction. In this form, the A1A blood test is usually ordered for infants and younger children, but it can be performed at any age.
There are three types of A1A blood tests that may be ordered. The first, or the standard version, measures the amount that is in the blood. The second, or phenotype, version will let medical providers know the type of A1A that is being produced. The final version, the genotype test, will look for the genetic issues behind early onset emphysema.
When To Speak With a Doctor
This test is commonly ordered for infants who have jaundice after birth for more than 7-14 days. It may also be ordered if bilirubin counts are persistently high, if the spleen has been enlarged, or there is persistent itching being experienced.
It will also be ordered for individuals under the age of 40 who are suffering from the signs and symptoms of emphysema. This may include a chronic cough that doesn’t get better, wheezing while breathing, and exercise intolerance because of feeling short of breath. If there is a family history of an A1A deficiency, then this test may be used as a screening tool to determine risk factors.
It may also be ordered for those who have been diagnosed with asthma that is not responsive to common treatment methods.
What Do My Test Results Mean?
In the standard A1A blood test, low levels of this protease inhibitor is an indication that early onset emphysema may occur or has already occurred. Lower levels found in the blood test results indicate a higher overall risk.
In the phenotype version of this blood test, results may be given as “normal” or “abnormal.” The risks of disease development are based on the actual amount of A1A that is being produced by the body. A specific variant of A1A can actually lead to both emphysema and liver damage because the variant A1A builds up inside of liver cells.
For the genotype version of this test, results will either be positive or negative. The blood test will detect if there are abnormal copies of the gene that controls A1A production. Depending on the severity of the abnormality, the risks of a childhood or persistent disease developing can be determined, a treatment plan created, and other steps initiated to manage bother symptoms.
Most of the ongoing conditions are based on low level test results. A1A levels can also be high and this indicates the presence of an inflammatory condition somewhere in the body. It is a nonspecific indication of inflammation, which means it could happen because of a simple infection or because there is cancer present somewhere.
Here’s What You Need to Know
Not all low A1A test results are associated with a genetic disorder, serious disease, or liver condition. There may also be decreased levels seen when there is malnutrition occurring. Certain cancers and kidney disease have also been associated with decreased levels of A1A.
It is possible for there to be decreased levels of A1A without any bothersome symptoms. This is typically found when an overall test for all proteins has been ordered for an annual checkup.
If there are positive test results that are related to emphysema, it is important to stop smoking immediately. Avoiding dust, fumes, and pollution is also important. Consider the pneumonia vaccine and protect yourself against Type B influenza infections. Regular exercise can help to maintain lung functions.
In people with a Caucasian ethnicity, genetic disorders that cause a deficiency of A1A is one of the most frequent genetic disorders known. Up to 100,000 people are born in the US every year with this genetic deficiency and an estimated 25 million Americans are thought to be carriers.
The A1A blood test results explained here can lead a doctor toward a specific diagnosis. Most people will not need to have all forms of this test to determine what may be causing their bothersome signs and symptoms. Only a medical provider can determine what these results mean for a specific individual, so be sure to discuss this guide with your doctor to know what your specific A1A results may mean.