What Is AAT Deficiency Testing?

A blood test can measure the amount of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) in your blood. You may have AAT deficiency if your levels are low or if the blood test is not able to find any AAT in your blood. If your AAT level is lower than normal, the blood sample can be tested to look for abnormal types of alpha-1 antitrypsin. People who carry the changed gene may be more at risk for symptoms if they have certain types of alpha-1 antitrypsin.

Is Testing Accurate?

Although this blood test is highly reliable, no test is 100% accurate. This test cannot predict when—or whether—you will develop symptoms or how severe they will be.

Should I Be Tested?

The decision to have the test is personal. You may have emotional, financial, and family reasons for taking or not taking the test.

You may choose to have the test because:

• You have unexplained lung problems and want to know whether you have this condition.
• Other people in your family have AAT deficiency.
• Other people in your family have unexplained lung disease or liver disease.
• You want to take steps to protect your health if you find out you have the condition.
• You would be relieved to know that you do not have the changed gene.
• You would change your decision about having children because of test results.
• Your insurance would pay for the test.