Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Feces

CPT CODE:

USEFUL FOR:

Diagnosing protein-losing enteropathies, especially when used in conjunction with serum A1A levels as a part of A1A clearance studies (see #8835 "Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Clearance, Feces and Serum"; preferred test)

SPECIMEN REQUIRED:

Stool specimen (24 hour). Send entire collection frozen in containers (Supply T291) supplied. See "Stool Collection Information Sheet" in Special Instructions.Note:     1.  If no specimen is obtained in 24 hours, extend collection                        to 48 to 72 hours; and note time frame on request form.2.   Random specimens will be accepted for testing, but the      reference values will not apply.

TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE:

Frozen\Refrig <14 days OK\Ambient <14 days OK

CLINICAL INFORMATION:

Alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1A) is resistant to degradation by digestive enzymes and is, therefore, used as an endogenous marker for the presence of blood proteins in the intestinal tract. A1A clearance is reliable for measuring protein loss distal to the pylorus.
Gastrointestinal protein enteropathy has been associated with regional enteritis, sprue, Whipple's intestinal lipodystrophy, gastric carcinoma, allergic gastroenteropathy, intestinal lymphangiectasia, constrictive pericarditis, congenital hypogammaglobulinemia, and iron deficiency anemia associated with intolerance to cow's milk.

CLINICAL INTERPRETATION:

Patients with protein-losing enteropathies generally A1A stool concentrations >100 mg/mL.
Borderline elevations above the normal range are equivocal for protein-losing enteropathies.

REFERENCE VALUES:

< or = 54 mg/dL