Alpha 1 Antitrypsim, Serum
This test is used to detect hereditary decreases in the production of alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT). AAT is responsible for inactivating endoproteases (protein catabolic enzymes). Decreased or nearly absent levels of AAT can be a factor in chronic obstructive lung disease and liver disease. Elevated levels can also be an indication of inflammatory states (eg, rheumatoid arthritis, bacterial infection, vasculitis, neoplasia).
