Hi everyone,

[denise1]

Please could anyone explain what the figure of 552 means with regards to my recent alp-1 test? Thankyou x

[badpiglet]

Hi Denise,

Assuming you're looking at a printout of your results, it's a good idea to look at the figures in context. Have a look & see beside or along the line from 552 and confirm what units the measurement is in, usually iu/L (international units per litre). Also importantly, see beside the unit, sometimes in brackets, the 'reference' range for the laboratory that did the tests will be printed. Note the reference range will not necessarily be the same from testing laboratory to laboratory or from country to country, so many of us cannot compare results.

You may find that the testing lab itself will have it's own website, which may give some guidance about tests and their results.

There are also other websites that help in general terms eg

labtestsonline.org.uk/under...

or

labtestsonline.org.uk/under...

but it's important to look at info relating to your own country.

As there may be many reasons for results being high or low, I'd always check any queries about results with your consultant as they (should) know your whole picture medically, what conditions you have, what medications you're taking, what age you are, what else you're being tested for. It may be difficult for anyone to answer your question, unless very generally, as there's too many unknowns .

[denise1 in reply to badpiglet]

hi badpiglett,thankyou for that info i will have to ask my consultant next time.maybe not a good idea to try and figure it out myself end up worrying even more!thanks again.denisexx