Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (AAT) Serum Test – High-Quality Turbidimetry Analysis for Lung and Liver Health | 2-Day TAT

Description

Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (AAT) Serum Test – High-Quality Turbidimetry Analysis for Lung and Liver Health

Your liver produces a powerful protector: Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (AAT) — a protein that shields your lungs from damage and supports healthy liver function. But when AAT levels are low or the protein is abnormal, it can lead to serious, often undiagnosed lung and liver conditions.

At Lab Tests Dubai, we offer the Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (AAT) Serum Test, a precision diagnostic tool using high-sensitivity turbidimetry to measure AAT concentration in your blood. With a fast 2-day turnaround, this test is essential for detecting AAT deficiency, a genetic condition linked to early-onset emphysema, COPD, and liver disease — especially in individuals with a family history or unexplained respiratory symptoms.

Whether you’re managing chronic lung issues or investigating liver abnormalities, this test delivers accurate, actionable insights to help your doctor intervene early and protect your long-term health.

Why You Need This Test

The AAT Serum Test isn’t just for those with symptoms — it’s a critical screening tool for anyone at risk of genetic lung or liver disease.

You should consider this test if:

• You’ve been diagnosed with COPD, asthma, or emphysema — especially under age 45
• You have unexplained liver disease or elevated liver enzymes
• There’s a family history of AAT deficiency
• You’re planning a comprehensive health checkup with a focus on organ health
• You’re experiencing progressive lung damage with minimal smoking history

Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency is underdiagnosed but treatable. Early detection can:

✅ Prevent irreversible lung damage
✅ Monitor liver health proactively
✅ Guide family screening and genetic counseling
✅ Support personalized treatment plans, including augmentation therapy

This test is a must-have for proactive respiratory and liver care.

Symptoms That Indicate This Test

Consider getting tested if you or a loved one experience:

• Shortness of breath or wheezing not fully explained by smoking or asthma
• Chronic cough with or without mucus
• Unexplained fatigue or reduced stamina
• Recurrent bronchitis or respiratory infections
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Abnormal liver function tests (elevated ALT, AST, or bilirubin)
• Family history of emphysema or liver cirrhosis at a young age

In infants and children, AAT deficiency can cause neonatal jaundice or liver failure — making early testing crucial for at-risk families.

Don’t dismiss these signs. They could point to a silent genetic condition affecting both lungs and liver.

Natural Production & What AAT Does

Alpha-1-Antitrypsin is a glycoprotein naturally produced in the liver and released into the bloodstream. Its primary role is to protect lung tissue by inhibiting neutrophil elastase — an enzyme white blood cells release to fight infection.

However, unchecked elastase can destroy alveoli (air sacs), leading to emphysema and chronic lung damage.

In genetic AAT deficiency, mutations (most commonly PiZZ genotype) cause:

• Low AAT production → lungs unprotected
• Abnormal AAT protein → accumulates in the liver, causing inflammation, fibrosis, or cirrhosis

The AAT Serum Test measures how much functional protein is in your blood, helping determine:

• Whether you’re deficient
• If liver production is impaired
• If further genotyping or family testing is needed

It’s a first-line screening tool recommended by global respiratory societies.

What Happens If Untreated

Ignoring low AAT levels can lead to progressive, irreversible damage:

🫁 Lung Complications

• Early-onset emphysema (even in non-smokers)
• Rapid decline in lung function
• Misdiagnosis as asthma or smoking-related COPD
• Reduced quality of life and oxygen dependence

🩸 Liver Complications

• Fatty liver disease progressing to fibrosis or cirrhosis
• Liver failure in infants or adults
• Increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

Smoking accelerates lung damage in AAT-deficient individuals — making diagnosis even more urgent.

The good news? With early detection, you can:

• Avoid smoking (critical)
• Receive AAT augmentation therapy (for severe deficiency)
• Monitor liver health regularly
• Screen family members

Knowledge is protection. Test early. Act now.

How to Prepare for the Test

Preparing for the AAT Serum Test is simple:

✅ No fasting required
✅ Continue your regular medications (inform your doctor if on immunosuppressants or steroids)
✅ Wear a short-sleeved shirt for easy blood draw
✅ Bring any previous lung or liver test results for comparison

This is a routine blood test — safe, quick, and performed at our accredited labs across Dubai.

Test Overview

Using advanced turbidimetry, we measure the cloudiness (turbidity) caused by AAT-antibody complexes in your serum — ensuring high accuracy and reproducibility.

Abnormal results may prompt further phenotyping or genetic testing — which we also offer upon recommendation.

Your health is too important to leave to chance. If you or your family have a history of early lung disease or unexplained liver issues, the AAT Serum Test could be life-changing.

At Lab Tests Dubai, we combine cutting-edge technology, fast results, and expert medical support to deliver trusted diagnostics you can act on.