Question 1

What's this test for?

Accepted Answer

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained breathing problems, chronic lung issues, or liver function abnormalities that don't have a clear cause. It helps identify Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition that can lead to lung disease (especially in smokers or those exposed to lung irritants) and liver problems. Many people use this test when they have a family history of early emphysema or unexplained liver disease, or when standard tests haven't explained their symptoms.

Question 2

What happens after I get my results?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your Alpha-1-Antitrypsin level means for your lung and liver health. These notes include personalized recommendations like lifestyle changes to protect your lungs, whether you should avoid smoking or certain environmental exposures, and if genetic counseling or phenotyping might be helpful. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially useful if you're monitoring a known deficiency or making protective lifestyle changes.

Question 3

What's included in this test?

Accepted Answer

This panel measures Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Quantitative. This test measures the amount of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin protein in your blood, which is produced by your liver and helps protect your lungs from damage. Low levels can indicate a genetic deficiency that puts you at higher risk for lung diseases like emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially if you smoke or are exposed to lung irritants. It can also help explain liver problems including cirrhosis, and elevated levels may indicate inflammation or other health conditions affecting your liver, pancreas, or kidneys.

Question 4

Who should consider getting this test?

Accepted Answer

This test is important for people with early-onset emphysema or COPD (especially before age 45), unexplained liver disease or cirrhosis, or a family history of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency. It's also recommended if you have chronic lung disease that's worse than expected for your smoking history, or if you're a non-smoker with breathing problems. Anyone with a family member diagnosed with Alpha-1 deficiency should consider testing, as it's a hereditary condition.

Question 5

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms include shortness of breath with minimal activity, wheezing or chronic cough, frequent lung infections, or early-onset breathing problems. Liver-related symptoms might include unexplained fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), abdominal swelling, or abnormal liver enzyme levels. If you have breathing problems that seem out of proportion to your age or health status, or if standard lung tests haven't explained your symptoms, this test can provide important answers.

Question 6

How can I protect my lungs if I have low Alpha-1-Antitrypsin?

Accepted Answer

If you have a deficiency, avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke is absolutely critical, as your lungs are more vulnerable to damage. Minimize exposure to air pollution, dust, fumes, and chemical irritants at work or home. Get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia to prevent lung infections, exercise regularly to maintain lung function, and consider pulmonary rehabilitation if you have breathing difficulties. Regular monitoring with your doctor and immediate treatment of respiratory infections can help preserve lung health.

Question 7

What is Alpha-1-Antitrypsin and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-1-Antitrypsin is a protein made by your liver that travels through your bloodstream to protect your lungs from damage caused by inflammation and enzymes released by your immune system. When you don't have enough of this protective protein due to a genetic deficiency, your lungs become vulnerable to damage from normal wear and tear, smoking, or environmental exposures. This can lead to early lung disease, and in some cases, the abnormal protein can also accumulate in the liver causing liver damage.

Question 8

What does low Alpha-1-Antitrypsin mean?

Accepted Answer

Low levels typically indicate Alpha-1-Antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition where your body doesn't produce enough of this protective protein. This puts you at higher risk for developing lung problems like emphysema and COPD, particularly if you smoke or are exposed to lung irritants. Low levels can also be seen in severe liver disease, malnutrition, protein-losing conditions affecting the kidneys or intestines, and in newborns with respiratory distress syndrome.

Question 9

What does high Alpha-1-Antitrypsin mean?

Accepted Answer

Elevated levels usually indicate inflammation or infection somewhere in your body, as Alpha-1-Antitrypsin increases as part of your immune response. High levels can occur during pregnancy, with chronic lung diseases, infections, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and various diseases affecting the kidneys, stomach, liver, or pancreas. While high levels are generally less concerning than low levels, they signal that further investigation may be needed to identify the underlying cause.

Question 10

How often should I retest Alpha-1-Antitrypsin levels?

Accepted Answer

If this is your first test and results are normal, you typically don't need to retest unless new symptoms develop. If you're diagnosed with a deficiency, you may not need frequent retesting since the genetic condition doesn't change, but your doctor might monitor you periodically. However, if levels were abnormal due to inflammation or disease, your doctor may recommend retesting in 3-6 months after treatment to ensure levels normalize. If you have lung or liver disease related to Alpha-1 deficiency, regular monitoring of lung and liver function (rather than Alpha-1 levels) becomes more important.

Question 11

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 12

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 13

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 14

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 15

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 16

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 17

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Blood Test for Breathing Problems and Liver Issues

Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Quantitative

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Blood Test for Breathing Problems and Liver Issues

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

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