Email this page Print this article Was this page helpful?

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin


Also known as: Alpha1-antitrypsin; A1AT; AAT
Formal name: Alpha1 antitrypsin

At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To help diagnose the cause of early onset emphysema and/or liver dysfunction; to establish the risk of developing alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-related emphysema and/or liver disease and determine the likelihood that children might inherit the risk

When to Get Tested?

When you show signs of liver disease as an infant or young child, when you develop emphysema before age 40, or when you have a close relative with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Sample Required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm

Test Preparation Needed?

None