Alpha 1 Antitrypsin

The alpha 1 antitrypsin test is a reliable diagnostic service offered by IntroLab, a leading laboratory in Belgrade specializing in immunological blood analyses. This test is used to detect and measure the levels of the alpha 1 antitrypsin protein in a patient’s blood.

What is α1-antitrypsin?

Alpha 1 antitrypsin is a protein that acts as an important inhibitor of protease enzymes. Produced in the liver, it is released into the bloodstream to protect tissues from damage caused by these enzymes.

Why is the test performed?

Measuring the concentration of alpha 1 antitrypsin helps diagnose certain diseases linked to its deficiency. Low levels of this protein can be associated with conditions such as lung emphysema, familial chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and liver cirrhosis.

Lung emphysema involves progressive lung tissue damage and difficulty breathing, with low levels being a risk factor. Familial COPD can also be related to this protein deficiency. Liver cirrhosis, which features liver tissue damage and impaired function, may also be connected to low alpha 1 antitrypsin levels.

Testing alpha 1 antitrypsin levels through blood analysis can aid doctors in accurately diagnosing these conditions and determining the appropriate treatment.