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AAT or A1AT
Definition
Alpha-1 antitrypsin measures the amount of alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) in your blood serum.
Alternative Names
AAT or A1AT
Why the AAT or A1AT is Performed
This test is helpful in identifying a rare form of emphysema in adults and a rare form of cirrhosis in children. In the absence of A1AT, certain digestive enzymes released by white blood cells may go unchecked and cause widespread damage in the lungs and liver.
Everyone has 2 copies of the gene that makes A1AT. Most people with the disease have 1 normal gene for A1AT, and only 1 abnormal gene. These people will have lower-than-normal levels of A1AT, but not as low as people who have 2 abnormal copies and generally more severe disease.
How the AAT or A1AT is Performed
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any bleeding.
How to Prepare for the AAT or A1AT
There is no special preparation.
How the AAT or A1AT Will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Risks
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
- Multiple punctures to locate veins
Considerations
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than others.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Lower-than-normal levels of A1AT may be associated with:
- Cirrhosis
- Emphysema or COPD
- Liver tumors
- Obstructive jaundice
- Portal hypertension
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Typical mistypes for AAT or A1AT
zat or a1at, sat or a1at, wat or a1at, qat or a1at, azt or a1at, ast or a1at, awt or a1at, aqt or a1at, aar or a1at, aaf or a1at, aag or a1at, aay or a1at, aa6 or a1at, aa5 or a1at, aat ir a1at, aat kr a1at, aat lr a1at, aat pr a1at, aat 0r a1at, aat 9r a1at, aat oe a1at, aat od a1at, aat of a1at, aat ot a1at, aat o5 a1at, aat o4 a1at, aat or z1at, aat or s1at, aat or w1at, aat or q1at, aat or a2at, aat or aqat, aat or a1zt, aat or a1st, aat or a1wt, aat or a1qt, aat or a1ar, aat or a1af, aat or a1ag, aat or a1ay, aat or a1a6, aat or a1a5, at or a1at, at or a1at, aa or a1at, aator a1at, aat r a1at, aat o a1at, aat ora1at, aat or 1at, aat or aat, aat or a1t, aat or a1a, ata or a1at, aa tor a1at, aato r a1at, aat ro a1at, aat o ra1at, aat ora 1at, aat or 1aat, aat or aa1t, aat or a1ta, aaat or a1at, aaat or a1at, aatt or a1at, aat or a1at, aat oor a1at, aat orr a1at, aat or a1at, aat or aa1at, aat or a11at, aat or a1aat, aat or a1att, etc.
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