Free test kit

Up to 25 million Americans are estimated to carry an abnormal Alpha-1 gene1

Many of the estimated 25 million carriers for Alpha-1 have an increased risk of lung disease.1,2 Talk to your doctor about the free Talecris AlphaKit.

Compare Alpha-1 tests

Most commercial labs and several specialized Alpha-1 laboratories perform the tests to identify Alpha-1.

Three blood tests can be used to diagnose and identify the specific genetic type of Alpha-1.

Alpha1-Antitrypsin (AAT) Blood Level:

Tests for the amount of the AAT protein in your blood. Often is the first test ordered, but does not provide any genetic information.

Genotype:

Identifies whether the genes you have to make AAT are normal or abnormal.

Phenotype:

Identifies exactly which AAT protein your body makes. There are several different AAT proteins your body could make, depending on your genetic makeup. Some of the proteins are normal and some are abnormal, which can result in low levels of AAT in your blood.

next: Free Test Kit >

Important Safety Information
Prolastin-C, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human) is for adults who have emphysema caused by inherited alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. The effect of therapy with any alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-PI) on pulmonary exacerbations and on the progression of emphysema in alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency has not been demonstrated in randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Prolastin-C may contain trace amounts of IgA. IgA deficient patients with antibodies against IgA should not receive Prolastin-C due to the risk of hypersensitivity.

The most common side effects during clinical trials with Prolastin-C were chills, a general feeling of being unwell, headache, rash, hot flush, and itching.

Prolastin-C is made from human plasma. Products made from human plasma may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, e.g., viruses, and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent.

Please see accompanying Prolastin-C Full Prescribing Information for complete prescribing details.

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.

References
  1. de Serres FJ, Blanco I, Fernández-Bustillo E. Genetic epidemiology of Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in North America and Australia/New Zealand: Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America. Clin Genet. 2003:64(5):382-397.
  2. Yang P, Sun Z, Krowka MJ, et al. Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency carriers, tobacco smoke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer risk. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(10):1097-1103.
  3. Alpha-1 Coded Testing (ACT) Study. Confidential Testing for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Alpha-1 Foundation. Version 1.1, May 2007.
  4. Talecris AlphaKit Insert. Item # PR76-0608. Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc.
  5. Alpha1Health.com. Testing for Alpha-1. AlphaTest® page. http://www.alpha1health.com/patients-and-families/testing-for-alpha-1/alphatest-kit.html. Accessed December 2, 2009.
  6. AlphaTest® Kit Mailer. Alpha1Center, 1000 E. 100 South, Suite 109, Salt Lake City, UT 84102.