Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Quantitation

Label Mnemonic:	A1AT
Epic code:	LAB927
Order form:	Laboratory Requisition
Supply order:	Supply Order Form
Billing:	Billing Policies
CPT code:	82103

Specimen(s):

Plasma

Collection Medium:

Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL

Alternate Collection Media:

Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.

Minimum:

3 mL whole blood in light green top tube or ONE Microtainer^®

Testing Schedule:

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Turn Around Time:

1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

90-200 mg/dL
A1AT is an acute phase reactant, therefore any inflammatory process may result in transient elevations of the patient's A-1-AT level.

Test Limitations:

Criterion: Recovery within plus or minus 10% of initial values.

Icterus: No significant interference up to an I index of 60 
(approximate conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin concentration: 60 
mg/dL).

Hemolysis: No significant interference up to an H index of 1000 
(approximate hemoglobin concentration: 1000 mg/dL).

Lipemia (Intralipid): No significant interference up to an L index of 
350 (approximate triglycerides concentration: 700 mg/dL). There is 
poor correlation between turbidity and triglycerides concentration.

Rheumatoid factors less than 100 IU/mL do not interfere.

No high dose hook effect is seen up to an alpha 1-antitrypsin 
concentration of 1200 mg/dL.

Elevated estrogen levels (oral contraceptives; third trimester of 
pregnancy) give rise to false positive results. CRP and haptoglobin 
should therefore also be determined.*

*Laurell CB, Kullander S, Thorell J. Effect of administration of a
 combined estrogen-progestin contraceptive on the level of individual
 plasma proteins. Scand J Lab Invest 1968;21:337-343.

Methodology:

Immunoturbidimetric

Sample Processing:

Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.

Sample Storage:

Refrigerate.
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).

Transport Instructions:

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.