Immune & Inflammation
Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (S)
Immune & Inflammation
Alpha-1-antitrypsin is a protein your liver makes to protect your lungs from damage. When levels are low, your lungs are left without their shield.
VAT-exempt medical service
Your immune system does a lot of good. But its defence enzymes can also cause collateral damage — especially to your lungs. That's where alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) steps in. This liver-produced protein acts as a shield, neutralising the enzymes that would otherwise chew through healthy lung tissue. When AAT levels are low — often due to genetics — your lungs are left unprotected, significantly increasing the risk of COPD, emphysema and liver damage. It's one of the most common hereditary conditions in people of European descent, and most people have no idea they carry it.
This test is recommended if you have early or unexplained COPD (especially if you've never smoked), recurring respiratory infections, shortness of breath, unexplained liver enzyme changes, a family history of AAT deficiency, or if you're a smoker who wants to understand your hereditary lung disease risk. Knowledge is power here.
What a high value can mean
Elevated AAT is usually a response to inflammation, infection, pregnancy or oestrogen therapy. As an acute-phase protein, it rises when the body is under stress. This doesn't typically indicate a problem with the protein itself.
What a low value can mean
Low levels may signal AAT deficiency, liver dysfunction or protein loss through the kidneys. If confirmed, genetic testing of the SERPINA1 gene is usually the next step to identify the specific variant and guide long-term management.
No special prep needed. Just bring valid ID on test day.
Order your test
Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.
Give your sample
Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.
The lab analyses it
Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.
Get your results
Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.
It's a genetic condition where the liver makes too little or dysfunctional AAT protein. Without enough of this shield, your lungs are exposed to enzymatic damage, which increases the risk of COPD, emphysema and sometimes liver disease. It's surprisingly common in people of European descent — and hugely underdiagnosed.
Yes. Genetic testing of the SERPINA1 gene identifies your specific variant and how severe the deficiency is. It also helps with family screening — your relatives may carry the same variant without knowing.