Alpha-1-Antitrypsin test question

[tdawg7]

I recently had a blood test for Alpha-1-Antitrypsin and was wondering about the accuracy of the test, because I was reading that levels can be elevated during an infection. When I had the blood test done I was in about day 4 of a sinus infection that later went to my chest. My test result was as follows: 1.15 m/L. The lab normal range on my report is 1.0-2.0 m/L, so my result was not flagged. Would the sinus infection affect the validity of my test? (Should I request to have the test done again?) Thanks!

[zorro1]

I would. As you say levels of antitrypsin in the blood are affected by the presence of infection. Some labs will test the blood for signs of infection at the same time so will take this into account but if they haven't done this I would want to play it safe. Just to reassure you though I am severely deficient and my level is 0.13 g/l that's less than 10% of normal. Even with infection present my levels wouldnt go up much more as both of my alpha 1 alleles are mutated. With levels over 1.0 it appears that you have at least one normal allele. All the best.

[tdawg7]

Thanks so much for your response, Zorro1. My doctor ordered a complete blood count at the same time as the test; all of my numbers (white blood cell count, red blood cell count, etc.) were in the “normal” range at that time. Would that be sufficient to rule out an inaccurate Alpha 1 test? If not, I can check with my allergist when I see him. Thanks again!

[casey16gatsby]

I would agree with zorro1. I am a ZZ Alpha (two defective alleles) and my levels are comparable to hers. While a retest never hurts -- my children are MZ's and their normal levels are lower than yours (they have one defective allele they received from me -- fortunately for them my wife is an MM!).

I live in the US and receive infusions to increase my protective levels.

Kind Regards,

JCL

[tdawg7]

Thank you as well, JCL