Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum)
Private Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Blood Test in London for £157, measuring AAT levels with secure results delivered by email.
Turnaround time
2 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Blood Test
The Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum) blood test measures the concentration of alpha-1 antitrypsin, commonly abbreviated to AAT, in the bloodstream.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a protective protein produced mainly by the liver. Its principal role is to inhibit enzymes released during inflammation, particularly neutrophil elastase, which can otherwise damage healthy tissue within the lungs.
The test contains 1 biomarker: Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum). Measuring AAT can be useful when investigating unexplained respiratory disease, early-onset emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, unexplained liver abnormalities or a family history of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, or AATD, is an inherited condition associated with variants in the SERPINA1 gene. Certain variants result in reduced quantities of functional AAT circulating in the blood, leaving lung tissue more vulnerable to damage. Some variants can also cause abnormal AAT protein to accumulate within liver cells, increasing the risk of liver disease.
A serum AAT measurement is an important first step, but it does not determine the underlying genetic variant. If the concentration is low or otherwise inconsistent with the clinical picture, additional testing such as AAT phenotyping, proteotyping or SERPINA1 genetic analysis may be recommended.
Interpretation also requires particular care during illness. AAT is an acute-phase reactant, meaning its concentration may increase during infection, inflammation or tissue injury. Someone with an inherited deficiency may therefore occasionally record an apparently normal result while acutely unwell.
What Does the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Blood Test Check?
This test measures 1 biomarker.
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum)
Measures the concentration of alpha-1 antitrypsin circulating in the blood. Reduced concentrations can support investigation of inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, particularly where there is unexplained emphysema, COPD, bronchiectasis, liver disease or a relevant family history. Serum measurement does not determine the specific genetic variant and can be influenced by inflammation.
Who May Benefit From the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Blood Test ?
This test may be suitable for people whose respiratory history, liver health, family history or previous laboratory results raise concern about possible alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Early-onset emphysema - Emphysema occurring at a younger age than expected can prompt investigation for an inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
COPD without typical risk factors - AAT testing may be relevant where chronic obstructive pulmonary disease occurs despite little or no smoking history or other obvious environmental exposure.
Unexplained bronchiectasis - Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is one of several conditions that may be considered when bronchiectasis has no established cause.
Unexplained liver abnormalities - Certain forms of AAT deficiency can affect the liver and may be considered when liver enzymes or other investigations remain unexplained.
Family history of AAT deficiency - Close relatives of someone with confirmed alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may wish to discuss targeted testing with a healthcare professional.
Family history of early emphysema or liver disease - A pattern of unexpectedly early respiratory or liver disease can increase suspicion of an inherited condition.
Previous low alpha-1 antitrypsin result - Repeat quantitative testing may help confirm whether a reduced concentration persists.
Persistent respiratory symptoms requiring investigation - AAT measurement may form part of a wider respiratory assessment where conventional explanations do not fully account for symptoms.
Specialist-requested testing - The test can be arranged privately when requested by a respiratory physician, hepatologist, gastroenterologist or GP.
How to Prepare
No special preparation is normally required for this test.
However, a normal AAT concentration obtained during significant inflammation should be interpreted cautiously if there is strong clinical suspicion of inherited deficiency. Further testing or repeat measurement may sometimes be appropriate.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Blood test
You may wish to consider the Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum) test if symptoms or previous findings suggest an inherited AAT deficiency should be investigated.
Persistent shortness of breath - Progressive breathlessness can occur with emphysema and other chronic lung conditions, although it has many possible causes.
Wheezing - Recurrent wheezing may accompany obstructive respiratory disease and warrants appropriate clinical assessment when persistent.
Long-term cough - A chronic cough can occur with several respiratory conditions, including COPD and bronchiectasis.
Reduced exercise tolerance - Difficulty keeping up with previously manageable activity may occur when lung function is impaired.
Frequent respiratory infections - Recurrent chest infections can occur with structural lung disease such as bronchiectasis, although many other causes are possible.
Emphysema at an unusually young age - Earlier-than-expected emphysema is a recognised reason to investigate alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Abnormal liver blood tests - AAT deficiency can affect liver health and may be considered where liver abnormalities remain unexplained.
Jaundice or other signs of liver dysfunction - Yellowing of the skin or eyes requires clinical investigation and can have numerous hepatic and biliary causes.
Previous unexplained COPD diagnosis - Testing can be useful where COPD has developed in the absence of the usual smoking or occupational risk profile.
Known family history of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency - Testing may be appropriate because AAT deficiency is inherited.
Many people with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency have no obvious symptoms for years, and the clinical effects vary considerably according to the underlying genetic variant, smoking exposure and other environmental factors.
Smoking is particularly important because cigarette smoke can substantially increase lung damage in people with significant AAT deficiency. A serum test can identify a potentially low AAT concentration, but it cannot determine a person's complete genetic risk by itself.
Significant breathlessness, coughing up blood, severe chest pain, confusion, jaundice with rapidly worsening illness or other acute symptoms require prompt medical assessment rather than waiting for routine private blood test results.
How to Book Your Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Blood Test in London
Booking your Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum) test with London Blood Tests is simple and designed to fit around your schedule.
Choose the Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum)
Select the Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum) test online and review the included AAT biomarker before booking.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw (+£35) or a home or hotel phlebotomy visit (+£60) where a qualified phlebotomist collects your sample.
Attend your appointment
A trained professional will collect your blood sample safely and efficiently at the clinic or during your arranged home or hotel visit.
Laboratory analysis
Your sample is sent to the laboratory, where Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum) concentration is measured.
Receive your results securely
Your results are sent securely by email, ready to review yourself or discuss with a GP, respiratory physician, hepatologist or other suitably qualified healthcare professional.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The expected turnaround time for the Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum) test is approximately 2 business days after the laboratory receives your sample.
Results are sent securely by email once laboratory analysis and authorisation are complete. Turnaround therefore generally begins when your blood sample arrives at the laboratory rather than necessarily from the time it is collected.
Occasional repeat analysis, laboratory quality-control procedures or sample-related issues may extend the expected turnaround.
Understanding Your Results
Your laboratory report will show your Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum) concentration together with the reference range used by the analysing laboratory.
A low AAT concentration can support suspicion of inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, particularly where there is compatible respiratory disease, unexplained liver abnormalities or a relevant family history. A low concentration alone does not establish which genetic variant is present.
Further investigation may therefore involve AAT phenotype, proteotype or SERPINA1 genetic testing. These tests can help distinguish different inherited variants and clarify whether someone carries one or two deficiency-associated alleles.
A result within the laboratory reference range does not always completely exclude AAT deficiency. Alpha-1 antitrypsin is an acute-phase reactant, so infection or inflammation can temporarily raise circulating concentrations and potentially mask an otherwise reduced baseline level.
For this reason, an inflammatory marker such as CRP may sometimes provide useful context. Where clinical suspicion remains high despite an apparently normal result, repeat measurement after recovery from illness or more specific phenotype or genetic testing may be considered.
Raised AAT concentrations are generally less specific and may occur as part of an inflammatory response. Elevated AAT should therefore not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a particular liver or lung disorder.
Reference ranges also vary according to laboratory methodology. Your result should be interpreted using the range printed on your laboratory report alongside symptoms, family history, respiratory findings, liver tests and any relevant imaging.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
Private AAT blood testing in London - Access targeted Alpha 1 Antitrypsin measurement through London Blood Tests.
Focused one-biomarker assessment - Measure serum AAT without having to book a broad general health profile when this is the specific investigation required.
Relevant to inherited respiratory disease investigation - AAT measurement can support investigation of unexplained emphysema, COPD or bronchiectasis.
Useful during unexplained liver investigations - Certain AAT deficiency variants are associated with liver disease and may warrant further investigation when compatible abnormalities are present.
Appropriate for family-history assessment - Serum AAT may be an initial investigation where a close relative has confirmed alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Fast laboratory turnaround - The expected result time is approximately 2 business days after laboratory receipt.
Clinic and home visit options - Choose an in-clinic blood draw or arrange home or hotel phlebotomy depending on location and availability.
Clear pricing before booking - The Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum) test is priced at £157, with sample collection charges shown separately.
Private Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Blood Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides the Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum) blood test in London for people who require targeted investigation of AAT levels in relation to respiratory health, liver disease or possible inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
The test costs £157 and measures one biomarker: Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (Serum). It may be particularly relevant where there is early-onset emphysema, COPD without conventional risk factors, unexplained bronchiectasis, abnormal liver findings or a known family history of AAT deficiency.
Clinic appointments are available alongside home and hotel phlebotomy depending on location and availability, providing flexible access for people looking for a private alpha-1 antitrypsin blood test in London.
Serum testing measures the quantity of AAT but does not determine the precise inherited variant. Where the result is low, or where clinical suspicion remains high despite a normal concentration, additional phenotype or genetic testing may be recommended by a GP or specialist.