Immunology

Name

Alternative name/Profile

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Investigation

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Notes

Useful for:

• The investigation of patients with suspected disorders such as familial chronic obstructive lung disease
• Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency

Clinical Information:

• Alpha-1-Antitrypsin is a serine protease inhibitor which inhibits protease enzymes such as trypsin and elastin.
• Unless inhibitors, such as Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, are present these proteases can cause tissue damage in organs and tissues.
• A congenital deficiency of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin is associated with the development of emphysema and an increased incidence of neonatal hepatitis.

Please note:

• Alpha-1-Antitrypsin is an acute-phase protein therefore any inflammatorty process will result in elevated levels.
• For Alpha-1-Antitrypsin phenotyping a sample may be sent directly to the Alpha One Foundation, Alpha One Suite, RCSI Building, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9.
• Where External Institiutions cannot guarantee immediate delivery, samples must be centrifuged, separated and stored at 4^oC. Samples can then be transported, as soon as possible, to St. James's Hospital for processing.

Related links

http://www.alpha1.ie/

Reference range

Adult reference ranges validated in-house 2009.

Paediatric reference ranges are sourced from Protein Reference Unit (PRU), Sheffied, 2007.

Last updated

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 13:53:21 IST