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Posted by OtterJ (Member # 30701) on :
 
Okay, since my asthma has been bad since birth, I finally had an alpha 1 antitrypsin test and came back with the value of 120 mg/dl. Is this test valueless without the actual genetic test? I know there are three tests/labs that you can do and looked at some info online that said you can have this value and still have the errant genes. Anyone have this test done?
 
Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
 
I had that drawn a week ago. I had elevated liver enzymes and now have wheezing upon lying down. I don't know what it's for though.
 
Posted by OtterJ (Member # 30701) on :
 
I am of Danish descent and 1 in 1600 in Denmark have this wonky gene. It is an enzyme that is secreted in the liver and has to do with elastin (?) Anyway, if you have a copy or copies of the bad gene you can have lung and or liver damage. My doc just ordered the level of Alpha 1 antitrypsin level in my blood w/o looking for any markers.
 
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
 
See http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/alpha1-antitrypsin/tab/glance for more info.
 
Posted by OtterJ (Member # 30701) on :
 
Razzle, how low is low? From labtestsonline:

"A low level of AAT in blood indicates that the person tested may have alpha-1 antitrypsin

deficiency. The lower the level of AAT, the greater the risk of developing emphysema."

I can't find a value of what or how low is low. Low normal? Lower than normal values?
 


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