In 2003, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) issued Standards for the Diagnosis and Management of Individuals with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. In summary, the ATS recommends Alpha-1 testing for1:
- All patients with COPD, emphysema, unexplained liver disease, or incompletely reversible asthma
- Asymptomatic patients with persistent airflow obstructions and identifiable risk factors
- Adults with necrotizing panniculitis
Download the complete ATS guidelines.
The American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommends Alpha-1 testing for1:
All Patients With |
Asymptomatic Patients With |
All Adult Patients With |
COPD |
Persistent airflow obstructions |
Necrotizing panniculitis |
Emphysema |
Identifiable risk factors |
|
Unexplained liver disease |
Identifiable risk factors (cigarette smoking, occupational dust exposure, etc.) |
|
Incompletely reversible asthma following aggressive bronchodilator treatment |
|
|
Don't let Alpha-1 deficiency go undiagnosed.
To help you diagnose Alpha-1, CSL Behring has developed a number of educational and screening resources for use in your practice. Learn more about the steps you can take to improve the detection of Alpha-1 today.