How often should alpha-1 blood levels be checked?
Q: How often should the levels of alpha-1 protein in the blood be checked? A: It usually is not necessary to have more than one alpha-1 protein level checked during an Alpha’s lifetime, just as it usually is not necessary to have an Alpha’s phenotype or genotype checked more than once in a lifetime. However, there are some exceptions. When the initial diagnosis is made, it is reasonable to recheck and confirm it, preferably at a reference laboratory with experience in testing for Alpha-1. Some people with unusual phenotypes and evidence of lung disease may have their levels rechecked to evaluate whether their baseline level is low enough to cause concern. It is not recommended that levels be checked following institution of augmentation therapy. It is also important to know that phenotype tests will be inaccurate in those receiving augmentation therapy. Physicians should not make changes from the recommended dosing of augmentation therapy based on blood levels of AAT.
