Alpha-1 antitrypsin blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein produced mainly in the liver and carried in the blood to the lungs. There it acts as a shield, neutralising an enzyme released by white blood cells that would otherwise break down delicate lung tissue during inflammation.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited condition in which the body makes too little working AAT, or makes an abnormal form that gets stuck in the liver. Low levels leave the lungs vulnerable to emphysema, often at a younger age than usual, and especially in people who smoke. The trapped protein can also cause liver problems in some people. This test measures how much AAT is in your blood, which is the usual first step.

The price includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have been diagnosed with COPD or emphysema, especially before the age of 45 or with little smoking history.
• You have asthma or breathlessness that is not responding as expected to treatment.
• Your liver tests are raised without a clear reason.
• A family member has alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
• Your GP or specialist has suggested checking AAT levels.

Understanding your result

Your report shows the laboratory reference range. A low level can suggest deficiency, and a specialist may then arrange tests to identify which form of the gene you carry. A normal level is reassuring, but AAT also rises with infection, inflammation, pregnancy and oestrogen-containing medicines, which can mask a mild deficiency, so your practitioner will check whether anything might have raised it on the day.

If deficiency is found, stopping smoking is the most important step for protecting the lungs, and close relatives may wish to be tested. The result is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis. Anyone with sudden or worsening breathlessness should seek urgent medical help rather than wait for a test.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed. If you have had a cold, chest infection or other illness in the last few weeks, consider waiting until you are well, as inflammation can raise the level. Please tell us if you are pregnant or take the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy.

Because AAT deficiency can affect the liver, our liver function tests are a useful companion. A Standard Screen gives a broader picture of general health. See every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an alpha-1 antitrypsin test in Chiswick?

The Alpha-1 Antitrypsin test costs £189 at our Chiswick clinic. This includes the blood sample, accredited laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Is this a genetic test?

No. It measures the amount of protein in your blood. If the level is low, a specialist can arrange separate genetic testing to confirm the type of deficiency.

Can a normal result rule out deficiency?

A clearly normal level makes significant deficiency unlikely, but a mild deficiency can be hidden if you had inflammation at the time. Your practitioner will help you decide whether a repeat is sensible.

Why does smoking matter so much?

Smoke increases inflammation in the lungs, and without enough AAT to protect them, damage builds up much faster. Stopping smoking makes a large difference.