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When alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is suspected, the first step is to measure AAT concentration (or level) in blood or serum.
Modern testing methods allow a complete diagnosis to be established from a few drops of blood. Contact your doctor and discuss if testing for AAT deficiency is appropriate for you. If you agree to be tested, your doctor will write a prescription for the test. Testing for AAT deficiency is simple, quick and highly accurate. Testing can be conducted on a blood sample (blood draw or finger stick test) or mouth swab test.
An AlphaKit allows testing to be performed utilizing only a few drops of a patient's blood dried onto filter paper.
An AlphaKit is a blood collection kit that contains all of the materials required to obtain and ship the blood sample. The dried blood is not biohazardous and can be shipped by regular mail in the preaddressed envelope supplied. Results are usually returned to your doctor shortly after the test is performed.
Potential Benefits of AAT Deficiency Testing:
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Allow you to increase your knowledge of AAT deficiency and make you aware of your personal risk
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Provide information for future healthcare decisions
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Allow you to take steps that may slow the progression of AAT deficiency
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Assist you and your family in making decisions about work, lifestyle, and having children |
Important Safety Information
Prolastin®, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human) is indicated for chronic replacement therapy of individuals having congenital deficiency of alpha-1 PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency) with clinically demonstrable panacinar emphysema. Weekly Prolastin® therapy has demonstrated a low occurrence of side effects. In clinical studies with Prolastin®, reactions were observed in 1.16% of infusions, the most common events being fever (0.77%), light-headedness (0.19%), and dizziness (0.19%). As with all plasma-derived therapeutics, the potential to transmit infectious agents cannot be totally eliminated. Individuals with selective IgA deficiencies who have known antibody against IgA (anti-IgA antibody) should not receive Prolastin®, since these patients may experience severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, to IgA which may be present.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs
to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please click here for Prolastin® full Prescribing Information.
Remember, your doctor or healthcare provider is the single best source of information regarding you and your health. Please consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about your health or any of your medications.
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