What is the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (Serum) Test?

The Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Serum Test measures the concentration of AAT, a protective protein produced by the liver that prevents enzymes from damaging lung tissue. When AAT levels are low, the lungs and liver are more vulnerable to inflammation, scarring and accelerated disease progression.

AAT deficiency is a genetic condition in which the body cannot produce enough of this protective protein. People with this deficiency are at higher risk of early-onset emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), persistent lung infections and liver disease. This blood test is the primary screening tool used to detect these deficiencies and guide early intervention.

Because symptoms often appear slowly and overlap with common conditions such as asthma or smoking-related lung disease, AAT testing provides crucial insight into whether a hereditary issue is contributing to respiratory or liver problems.

Why do I need a test for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin?

You may need this test if you have chronic respiratory symptoms, unexplained liver abnormalities or a family history of AAT deficiency. Many individuals are unaware they carry genetic variants that significantly increase the risk of early lung damage, especially when exposed to smoke, pollutants or frequent infections.

AAT testing is also recommended for individuals diagnosed with COPD at a younger age than expected, for people whose symptoms do not respond to inhalers, or when liver function tests show unexplained abnormalities. Early detection helps prevent irreversible lung and liver damage through lifestyle modification, medical monitoring and personalised treatment.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Early-onset emphysema or COPD
• Wheezing, persistent cough or breathlessness
• Recurrent chest infections
• Poor response to asthma medication
• Unexplained liver disease, jaundice or abnormal liver enzymes
• Family history of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency
• Diagnosed COPD in non-smokers
• Newborns or infants with prolonged jaundice
• Adults with unexplained fatigue or abdominal swelling

Benefits of the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Test

·      Detects hereditary AAT deficiency early
Identifies a genetic risk factor that can significantly impact long-term lung and liver health.

·      Distinguishes genetic conditions from smoking-related COPD
Helps clinicians understand whether symptoms are from lifestyle, genetics or both.

·      Guides personalised management plans
Results may lead to tailored lung monitoring, liver assessments and targeted treatments.

·      Supports early intervention that slows disease progression
Early diagnosis allows lifestyle adjustments that protect lung tissue for decades.

·      Indicates when family members may also need testing
AAT deficiency is inherited, so results can inform family screening decisions.

·      Helps interpret unexplained liver abnormalities
Low AAT can cause cirrhosis, hepatitis-like symptoms or liver dysfunction.

·      Provides critical data for COPD patients
AAT testing is essential for COPD diagnosed before age 45 or in non-smokers.

·      Safe, reliable and non-invasive test
A standard serum blood test offering clinically powerful insights.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can attend one of our UK clinics or select a home or hotel visit with a trained phlebotomist.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Book an appointment at your nearest UK clinic.
2. A phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
3. Your sample is analysed for AAT concentration in the laboratory.
4. Results are uploaded securely to your online account.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Schedule a nationwide phlebotomy visit at a convenient time.
2. A mobile phlebotomist arrives at your location to take your blood sample.
3. The sample is packaged and sent to the laboratory under medical guidelines.
4. You receive your results digitally without needing to travel.

Access your report

You can download and share your results with your GP, hepatologist or respiratory specialist for further guidance.

Your Results Explained

Low Levels

Low Alpha-1 Antitrypsin levels indicate possible AAT deficiency, which may be genetic.
Typical UK reference range: approximately 1.0–2.7 g/L, depending on the laboratory.
Low values significantly increase the risk of early-onset emphysema, COPD and liver disease. Further genetic testing may be recommended to identify specific variants (e.g., PiZZ, PiSZ).

Normal Levels

Normal results mean there is sufficient AAT to protect lung and liver tissues.
A normal AAT level reduces the likelihood of inherited deficiency but may not completely exclude carrier status.
Symptoms may be due to other respiratory or liver conditions.

High Levels

Elevated AAT levels are often associated with inflammation or acute infection, as AAT is an acute-phase reactant.
High readings typically do not indicate toxicity but rather a heightened inflammatory response.
Further tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause of inflammation.